MORE than 1,000 extra school places in Wiltshire will be filled when Army families move to the county this year.

The Army Basing programme will see some 4,000 service personnel and their families move to Wiltshire in the summer.

In total there will be an additional 90 early years, 750 primary and 375 secondary school places available.

Funds from the MOD have go on building St Michael's Primary school in Larkhill, with a capacity for 420 pupils, and Wellington Eagles Primary School in Tidworth, also with space for 420 pupils.

Four other schools, including two in Bulford, one in Durrington, and another in Tidworth will be expanded to provide 770 extra school places in total.

Baroness Scott of Bybrook, OBE, leader of Wiltshire Council said: “After many years of preparation and planning we are now on the home straight and ready to welcome the Service Personnel and their families from Germany.

“We recognise the huge contribution, both economic and social, the military personnel and their families bring to the county and we are looking forward to welcoming them later this year.”