Two overcrowded village schools will undergo a £1.5m transformation to expand and modernise their outdated classrooms.

Under the Norfolk County Council project, Mulbarton's infant and junior schools will be linked by a new corridor, with four new modern classrooms built on the site.

The current classrooms date back to the 1970s and, thanks to their unusual shape, regularly cause problems for teachers.

Temporary classrooms will be installed while the old structures are replaced with new spacious areas.

Bev Theobald, headteacher of Mulbarton Infant School, said: 'Staff and children are excited to have purpose built classrooms which will enhance their learning experience.

'The current rooms are difficult shapes which has been a challenge for the teaching staff.

'Here at the infant school we are also thrilled that we will have a designated entrance into the school which will improve the warm welcome received by visitors, parents and children coming into our building. '

Parents have been invited to view the plans at an exhibition at the junior school, on The Common, on Thursday, April 16 from 2pm to 6pm.

David Oldham, headteacher of Mulbarton Junior School, said: 'We are looking forward to finally saying goodbye to two classrooms in the school which were designed in such a way that they soon become cramped when trying to teach a whole class of children.

'Staff frequently complain about the challenges of trying to teach in the rooms and we are all excited by the plans for the new development. Once completed, not only will we have more spacious classrooms but also a corridor connecting the two schools. I feel this will really benefit the transition of year two children, who come to us in year three, as they will simply be walking along the corridor to their new school.'

The displays outlining the plans will remain at the school until the end of April.

The new buildings are being designed by NPS Ltd, on behalf of the County Council and are expected to open next year.

Richard Bearman, vice-chair of the Children's Services Committee at the county council, said: 'We know that children benefit from learning in bright spacious classrooms, and want to improve school buildings whenever we have the budget and resources available.

'This project will create a better working environment for both pupils and staff and we are keen for parents and the community to have a chance to shape the plans at this early stage.'

For more information can contact Steve Hicks, project officer at Norfolk County Council, on 01603 222510.

• What do you think of the announcement? Email reporter Lauren Cope on lauren.cope@archant.co.uk