A SOUTH Lakeland school has begun work on a £1.1 million new boarding house to accommodate an increasing number of boys from September.

The venture is particularly significant for Windermere St Annes School as it comes just 18 months after it was saved from closure.

The school, which took on boys in 1999 as part of a new business plan to safeguard its future, is now struggling to meet demand.

Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria James Cropper was invited to lay the foundation stone at a ceremony attended by school governors, staff, pupils and parents.

He said he was "honoured" by the invitation and "delighted to hear that demand from boys as well as girls had led to the need for a new building."

The 43-bedroom building, to be named Langdale House because of its views over the Langdales, is being built on the old kitchen gardens and tennis courts.

John Collens, St Anne's Property Manager, said the building had been specifically designed by Windermere architect David Fletcher to accommodate future expansion if and when it was required.

Head teacher Wendy Ellis admitted the school was running out of bed space and said the venture marked WSA's confidence in the demand for boys' boarding places.

As recently as July 1999, WSA had to raise £1million in 24 hours to remain open, a situation which has improved with the introduction of boy pupils.

Langdale House will be used by boarders and day pupils.

It will contain study and common rooms as well as changing rooms and living accommodation.