A bid to build the world's first cardboard classroom was being backed by councillors.

Westborough Primary School in MacDonald Avenue, Westcliff, can now press ahead with its pioneering building, made solely of recycled cardboard and paper with a waterproof outer shell.

The prototype, funded by the Government, will be used for an after-school club.

It will also house a toilet block.

In support of their application, school governors said: "The project aims to complete the building using 90 per cent recyclable materials and to be 90 per cent recyclable at the end of its life.

"Westborough Primary School is keen for pupils to understand the process, working with the design team to provide direct involvement in the development." Southend's development control committee welcomed the proposals.

Councillor Alan Crystall (Lib Dem, Leigh) said: "It is clear Southend is at the forefront of new innovation."

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