A Sussex school is to undergo a £1 million expansion programme.

The development will see the creation of a new maths faculty and better music facilities at Downlands School in Hassocks.

West Sussex County Council says the move is essential to keep the school up to standard and help it cope with the increase in student numbers.

The proposals include a new two-story building with seven classrooms and supporting facilities for maths students, and a one-storey building with one general teaching classroom and three practice rooms for music students.

County spokeswoman Jane Robinson said the buildings would replace all temporary classrooms.

She said: "We decided to invest in these changes because they would improve conditions for pupils and staff."

Governors at the secondary school, based in Dale Road, have also welcomed the proposed developments.

A spokesman said: "It is good news for the school. Pupils and teachers have been very patient in putting up with temporary classrooms. It's great something is finally being done.

"We place a lot of importance on the arts as well as other areas of education, so being given the chance to expand our music side is a great opportunity.

"The changes will make a huge difference to the smooth running of the school."

Building work should start in April, subject to planning permission, and will take about six months to complete.

Mrs Robinson said: "We will do everything we can to minimise disruption to pupils and staff.

"That's why the bulk of the work will be carried out during the summer holidays."

The building plans are the second major boost for Downlands School this year.

When the temporary classrooms are cleared away, the site will be developed into a major school sports centre.

The centre is being funded by a £1 million pledged by insurance tycoon Matthew Harding, who donated the money shortly before his death, four years ago.

Mr Harding, said to have earned about £7 million a year, was among five people who died in a helicopter crash near the M6 in Cheshire, in October 1996.

He was the vice chairman of the Chelsea Football Club.

His twin sons, Joel and Patrick, both 16, have just left Downlands School, where they played soccer for the school team and for the Mid Sussex representative team.

The family's other children, Luke and Samantha, also attended Downlands.