PLANS to build a “much-needed” special school in Rayleigh have been expanded to make space for more pupils.

Mark Francois, Rayleigh and Wickford MP, has been a fierce supporter of the new school and announced on Friday it will now cater for 150 pupils.

The school was initially designed for 100 children.

It will now also be linked to Chetwood Primary School, in South Woodham, and a refurbished annex used to cater for an extra 40 pupils - taking the total to 190.

A consultation has already been held over the new school, which will be built at the Wolsey Park development in Rayleigh.

Mr Francois said: “Since receiving the results of the consultation, I have been working very hard behind the scenes with Essex County Council to try and come up with a scheme for a larger school.

“I am therefore absolutely delighted that Essex County Council are now proposing a school for 150 pupils at the site, plus repurposing the old Chetwood school to provide a sixth form annex, a few miles up the road.

“I very much hope that Essex County Council will endorse this plan and that, subject to planning, with luck we will be on site by Christmas and the school can open around a year or so thereafter.”