Two primary schools are preparing to welcome more pupils than ever before in September as demand for places continues to rise.

Alderton infant and junior schools and Staples Road Primary School, both in Loughton, will open new expansions after a £48million county-wide investment to increase available spaces.

A spokesman for Essex County Council said it is “on track to deliver 3,150 new school places”, with other expansions in areas such as Harlow.

Councillor Ray Gooding, cabinet member for education, said: “The demand for school places in the county is... continuing to rise.

“To meet that demand, we are planning to spend about £200 million over the next five years on creating extra school places.

“I am delighted to see so many exciting projects coming to a conclusion this summer and look forward to the new pupils starting in September.”