THE head teacher of Romsey Primary School has welcomed council bosses' final approval of a new £2.9m building complete with wind turbine.

Nick Hutson said: "It is going to completely transform the school and it will be very exciting to have a wind turbine."

The new complex will boast the first renewable energy source of its kind at a Hampshire school.

Councillor Ken Thornber, executive member for police and resources, last week approved the scheme for the Mercer Way school, created by amalgamating Romsey Infant and Romsey Junior.

The top-of-the-range wind turbine will be installed to produce electricity at the new complex.

Existing classrooms will be upgraded and three new ones are being built.

There will also be a children's centre with pre- school, community rooms and offices.

Building work is scheduled to begin in June and the entire project is expected to be finished by Easter next year.