Parents were yesterday given their first glimpse of a Norfolk school's smart new buildings - little more than 12 months after the whole �2.4m project appeared in jeopardy.

Parents were yesterday given their first glimpse of a Norfolk school's smart new buildings - little more than 12 months after the whole �2.4m project appeared in jeopardy.

In January last year, a series of hold-ups, including a dispute with the Environment Agency over flood protection measures, had threatened to derail plans for Great Yarmouth's Cobholm school and even its transition to full primary status.

However, a vigorous campaign led by parents, with the support of Yarmouth MP Tony Wright, won the day with Norfolk County Council announcing last March that work could finally begin in the summer on providing the community with a school “fit for the 21st Century”.

Building firm RG Carter completed the new build last week and excited youngsters returned after half-term yesterday to enjoy an assembly in their new hall.

The construction project has also provided a new classroom, kitchen, meeting room, offices and toilets.

Builders have now moved on to remodelling the old school, turning the former hall into another new classroom and an IT suite.

As parents flooded in to see the new facilities, headteacher Julie Risby said: “The completion of this project means the children can have the stability of being here from the age of three, in the nursery, up to 11.

“It means we can get to know the children so much better and provide continuity in their learning.”

Praising the co-operation of the construction team in minimising disruption, she said: “There have been a few hiccups, but everyone has worked together really well.”

Chairman of the governors Patricia Stuart said: “I hope the parents are as delighted as we are. This will provide a much better environment for learning.”

She said they were now “three-quarters of the way there” and revealed she was hopeful of a positive outcome to negotiations with Norfolk County Council over the provision of a plot of land next to the school to provide an all-weather sports pitch.

She said the council had to carry out a feasibility study on using the land before it could be transferred to the school.