A WELSH medium primary school is to get a new building costing £4.5 million.

The project to replace Ysgol Gymraeg Brynmawr is to begin in 2007/08, with options for the site of the new building being considered.

The school currently occupies the former Brynmawr Infants and Junior School premises on King Street, parts of which date back to 1874. Now the new building will provide extra facilities for teaching and learning for three to 11 year olds.

The Assembly and Blaenau Gwent county borough council will provide the funding of £4.5 million.

Council leader John Hopkins, who represents Brynmawr, said: "This is fantastic news for Brynmawr and the Welsh school, which will be provided with modern surroundings in which our children can learn."

Rob Withey, chairman of the governors, and head teacher Rosemary Williams were delighted. Mr Withey said: "This is a tremendous boost for Welsh education in the area."

Mrs Williams said: "Obviously we are all very excited. All the parents cheered when it was announced. It will make a big difference in terms of facilities - we have no green area here for the children to use."

Jane Davidson, the Assembly minister for education and lifelong learning, said: "I am delighted that we have been able to allocate £2.5 million over two years to support the authority in providing a new school for Ysgol Gymraeg Brynmawr."