DISABLED children will benefit from a major school refurbishment.

Kirklees Council’s Cabinet has supported a £575,000 blueprint to improve Lydgate Special School in New Mill.

The work includes refurbishing the kitchen and re-wiring the assembly hall and computer room.

A new food technology area will be built to help teach children the skills they need for independent living.

Kirklees will put up £225,000 for the improvements, with the Government contributing £350,000.

Cabinet member for children and families Clr Ken Smith told yesterday’s meeting: “This is a long-awaited investment. If we don’t use this money from Government now, we will lose it.”

Lydgate Special School serves children aged five to 16 who have special needs, including physical disabilities, learning difficulties and autistic disorders.