THE youngest and oldest pupils at Broomlands Primary today marked the start of the building work on the new £9.7million school in Kelso.

Sophia Bernie and Brodie Lawson cut the first sods for the new school, which will be built by McLaughlin and Harvey.

The new building is set to open in 2018.

The new school, which will have a register of around 250 pupils, will have new 12 classrooms, an early years centre, a new games hall/dining room and an upgraded playground.

Councillor Sandy Aitchison, Scottish Borders Council’s Executive Member for Education, told the Border Telegraph: "The current Broomlands building has served generations of pupils since it opened in 1980.

"After 36 years, it is time for a modern school building to take its place, and I know pupils, parents and staff will be looking forward to moving in once work is completed."

McLaughlin and Harvey is also currently working with SBC on the construction of Langlee Primary School in Galashiels, which is due to open in 2018.

A memorial bench was also unveiled in memory of Bev Scott, a much loved staff member at Broomlands who passed away in 2014.