The services of tradesmen who have completed plumbing courses may be in demand at Wade Deacon High School in Widnes soon, after the local authority granted planning permission for a huge revamp.

Designed by Sheppard Robson, the initiative will see the educational establishment converted from four buildings into just one, reported Place North West.

It is the last school in the north-west of England to be funded by the Building Schools for the Future programme and is expected to be finished by May 2013.

Alex Solk, project leader and associate partner at Sheppard Robson, told the online portal that the construction will benefit the wider community and boost the learning experience for pupils.

He added: "We are delighted that planning permission and financial close for Wade Deacon has been achieved; it is obviously fantastic news for the students."

This week, the news source reported that Conlon Construction has been appointed to build a