CAMPAIGNERS pushing for new buildings at Tiverton High School have gained a significant victory after Education Secretary Michael Gove promised to visit Devon in person.

Earlier this year the Government announced the scrapping of the Building Schools for the Future programme through which the school had won funds for new buildings.

But revised plans to build a new design and technology block and refurbish other parts of the school have won the backing of Tiverton MP Neil Parish, Devon County Council and Des Hannon, the county councillor for Tiverton East.

Christine Channon, Devon's Cabinet member for schools and skills, met Mr Gove alongside members of ten other local authorities recently.

She said she was delighted he had agreed to come to Devon to “see for himself the very real need.

“We are planning to fix a date for him to visit as soon as possible.”

Cllr Des Hannon, who represents Tiverton East, said although signs were better now than at any time since the school heard its BSF bid had been cancelled, this was no time for complacency.

He said: "Our MP and our council are singing from the same hymn sheet. That's progress, and we have an excellent plan on the table which will serve our kids well.

“But we haven't actually secured the first penny for building.

“My job as a local county councillor and parent is to keep Tiverton High School at the top of everyone's list. They need to deliver.

“I'll be a constant nuisance till work starts on digging the foundations."

The school currently caters for 1,425 students but demand is expected to rise to more than 1,700 in the next few years.