WORK on Malvern's long-awaited new sports facilities will start next month.

The project will create a community sports centre as part of a major redevelopment of facilities at Dyson Perrins CE High School.

The existing hall and gymnasium will be totally refurbished, including new floors, and re-equipped.

Linking those facilities will be a completely new reception area plus changing rooms, fitness suite and disabled facilities.

Work on the £1 million project will start at the end of November and is scheduled to take 12 months.

The school will share the facility with the public, who will be able to use it from 6pm in the evenings and at weekends.

The work is being financed by Malvern Hills District Council with support from the National Lottery.

Deputy head Tim Hill said that work would be phased, so as not to disrupt the school's curriculum needs.

"We use the sports hall during the day for examinations in May and June, so it's important that work is completed first," he said.

Work on the gymnasium will not begin until the hall is complete, to ensure that students always have access to sports facilities.

Mr Hill said he was confident the work would be completed on schedule.