Work to build a vital extension to an Irvine primary school will get underway this summer.

Builders will move into Annick Primary to complete the £2.58 million extension.

The building work will be carried out by Emtec Group LTD after council chiefs gave them the seal of approval at last week’s Cabinet meeting.

Annick’s much-need extension was approved by North Ayrshire Council last year, following a year-on-year increase in pupil numbers at the school.

The school was forced to install modular classrooms at the beginning of last term to cope with the rising numbers.

The extension is needed to comply with the new extended nursery hours.

The Scottish Government is increasing nursery hours for three, four and eligible two-year-olds from 600 to 1,140 hours per year.

The council report said the extension would mean “children attending this nursery benefit from a safe, modern environment.”

The Cabinet report said: “North Ayrshire Council requires to establish a contract for the proposed extension and mechanical and electrical upgrade to Annick Primary school, Irvine. The proposed works will provide a nursery facility and a gym extension to meet the needs of the school pupils and the local community.”

North Ayrshire Council put the contract out to tender, which attracted 16 expressions of interest.

Four firms submitted tender responses for the job, which is estimated to last for one year. Officers recommended Emtec Group Ltd to get the job after an evaluation process and councillors gave them the rubber stamp last Tuesday.

The council has put aside a budget of £3.4 million for the entire task.