West Dorset MP Chris Loder has welcomed the news that three schools in his constituency are to benefit from the School Improvement Fund.

Marshwood CofE Primary Academy and Thorncombe St Mary's CofE Primary Academy, near Lyme Regis, and Chickerell Primary Academy, near Weymouth, will all receive a share of over £450million of investment to improve school buildings across the country.

The Department for Education's School Improvement Fund will benefit 1,033 projects at 859 academies, sixth form colleges and voluntary aided schools.

This second tranche of the fund follows previous grants offered to The Gryphon School in Sherborne and Budmouth Academy in Chickerell in December.

Commenting on the recent funding allocations, Mr Loder said: "This is excellent news for three of our primary schools in West Dorset. This funding will help to improve school buildings at each site, helping to provide a high-quality learning environment for students.

"I understand some of our schools in the constituency are not fit for purpose and in need of modernisation. This funding will make sure that responsible bodies can plan ahead and get projects started, such as replacing roofs, boilers and windows."