CRAMPED classrooms and out-dated science labs could soon be a problem of the past, as £23 million is earmarked to bring North Yorkshire schools into the 21st century.

The major upgrade is designed to improve the county's schools in an effort to provide the best possible facilities, through 60 schemes over the next three years, focusing on areas in need of attention.

Schools will be made more accessible for disabled pupils, old-fashioned facilities in Victorian buildings will undergo a revamp, while pokey conditions in old primaries will also be targeted, along with school halls, classrooms, science labs and libraries.

The North Yorkshire education service's capital planning manager, Richard Allen, said: "In previous years we have concentrated on providing new buildings to cope with increased pupil numbers.

"Now rolls have levelled off we are going to invest in existing facilities to bring them up to date."

Among the schools to benefit will be Norton College, Selby High School and Selby Community Primary, Lady Lumley's School at Pickering, as well as Pickering Primary, along with Ryedale and Thirsk secondary schools, and Sutton-on-the-Forest Primary.

There are also plans to provide new food technology rooms, hard play areas and to refurbish indoor and outdoor facilities.

The education service has also pledged to support the creation of children's centres. These are based at schools, but also involve SureStart, health and social care providers, in a bid to offer child care and early education services on one site.

Up to £6 million will be spent replacing temporary classrooms with permanent buildings.

Mr Allen said: "We have about 400 temporary buildings, with some dating back to before 1974.

"They take a lot of maintenance and are not as well insulated as modern buildings, with associated problems of temperature extremes. Also to reach them, children have to go outside in all weathers."

To meet the needs of pupils with disabilities the education service plans to invest almost £3 million in a range of facilities, including ramps, lifts, hygiene rooms and accessible toilets.

Staff will undergo training to ensure they understand the disabled access issues in schools.

"This is in line with the council's positive policies surrounding the Disability Discrimination Act," he said.

Voluntary aided schools will also receive funds to help improve their educational facilities.

Mr Allen said: "We are working closely with all our schools to ensure we provide the best possible facilities for children and staff."

Updated: 09:53 Tuesday, May 10, 2005