A SCHOOL in Huddersfield is getting a £1.5m facelift.

Major improvements have started at Birkby Junior School.

Kirklees Council has given Totty Construction the contract to do the work at the Mead Street, Fartown, school.

The 38-week scheme includes completely re-roofing the Grade II listed building.

There will also be minor demolition work and work to fit new partition walls and suspended ceilings, to provide more space for classrooms and offices.

The school entrance will be improved to provide better access for disabled people.

A wheelchair lift will also be installed.

Heating and ventilation systems will be upgraded.

Philip Ryder, managing director of Totty Building Services, said the contract provided "an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the breadth and depth of our capabilities as a contractor".

He said the work would be phased to keep disruption to staff and pupils to a minimum.