Funding has been secured for a new science block at The Chase high school in Malvern.

It will be built on the exist- ing Geraldine Road site, after Worcestershire County Council announced it would provide the £3.8 million needed.

The new building, to be located between the sports pitches and physics block, will bring together all the science departments currently scattered around the site.

It will include a minimum of 15 laboratories and possibly two conference rooms.

It will also allow the refurbishment of existing science blocks, to accommodate lessons which are currently held in temporary buildings.

Deputy headteacher Peter Renger said: "We're absolutely delighted.

"This project will really move the school forward."

It is hoped building work will be completed by Easter 2007.