Plans have been drawn up to build a new school block in Accrington.

St Christopher’s High School has submitted plans to demolish its iconic Rosla block and replace it with a modern like-for-like building.

Rosla blocks were built in the 1970s to house pupils staying on after the raising of the school leaving age to 16.

The planning application is part of a funding grant bid to the Education Funding Agency.

But before the current block is knocked down and replaced the school needs permission from Hyndburn council.

Artist impressions for the project have been sent to the council, with the suggestion the new complex is named the ‘Coates Building’ in honour of former head Alasdair Coates who stepped down last year after more than 20 years at the helm.

Pam Haralambos, the school’s business manager, said they are in need of a replacement building.

She said: “We need to get the permission and everything in place first and hopefully we will be successful.

“The block is quite an old building and has classrooms and some catering facilities.

“We hope to start the work straight away as soon as we get the go-ahead.

“It will go on through the summer and hopefully we will be able to use it as soon as we can in the new academic year.”