PLANS to build new schools in Derbyshire have moved a step closer with the appointment of a contractor to drive the £750m project forward.

The county council has chosen Equitix, a consortium which includes two local companies – Bowmer and Kirkland, from Heage, and GF Tomlinson, from Derby.

The first schools to be rebuilt or refurbished in the national Building Schools for the Future programme are in the north east of the county and will be completed by 2010.

A second group of six schools is scheduled for completion by 2012.

Schools earmarked are Tibshelf Community School, Alfreton Grange Arts College, Frederick Gent School in South Normanton, Swanwick Hall School, Swanwick School and Alfreton Park Community Special School. Work is expected to start in March.

County council leader John Williams said: "We received very high-quality bids but after careful consideration we have chosen Equitix to join us in creating new state-of-the-art schools.

"The facilities these will offer at the heart of our communities will enormously benefit pupils and local people by providing incredible opportunities."