WILTSHIRE'S largest primary school, Kings Lodge, Chippenham, where half of the classrooms are temporary, could be one step closer to gaining a much-needed extension.

Members of Wiltshire County Council's Education Advisory Panel will decide tomorrow if money from the sale of land at Hardenhuish School should be used to pay for new classrooms.

If the county council cabinet gives the scheme the go-ahead, new classrooms could be up and running by September 2003.

The six or eight classroom extension was not included in the funding priority list in July because of uncertainties over funding.

Bob Wolfson, the chief education officer, has reported the Hardenhuish land sale has been completed and the money has been handed over to the county council. The new extension should cost about £1.5m.

Mr Wolfson said: "We hope we can begin the extension sooner rather than later. The land deal has been done and policy and resources has indicated receipts would go to Kings Lodge."

He said he hopes the plans will get the go-ahead within the next month.

"I would be disappointed if the new classes are not there by autumn 2003, but I must be fairly cautious. We will be looking to put the project out to tender in the New Year," he said.