A HALF a million pound scheme to provide state-of-the-art hearing facilities at a Fareham school is to be given the go-ahead this week.

Neville Lovett Community School has the largest unit for deaf children in mainstream schools. About 18 deaf and hearing-impaired pupils at the school in St Anne's Grove will benefit from the upgraded facilities, including a new sound system, hearing aids and sound-proofed walls. The 900-pupil school has provided £174,000 towards the scheme with the rest of the money coming from grants.

Head teacher Neil Dewhurst is excited that three years of trying to improve the facilities is finally coming to fruition.

The Hampshire County Council scheme should be approved on Thursday.