Work has started on the site of a specialist school in West Cumbria for children with autism.

Cumbria Academy for Autism is due to open next autumn on the site of the former Westlands Hotel on Branthwaite Road, Workington.

Contractors moved onto the site, between Workington Golf Club and Fairways care home, last week to begin clearance work and help prepare the site for building.

It is the latest stage in the project to open the academy, which has been in the pipeline for about four years.

The proposal to launch a specialist school for youngsters with autism was put forward to Cumbria County Council by a group of parents.

The then education secretary Justine Greening approved the bid for the new free school in September 2016. The Education and Skills Funding Agency, which finances school building projects, acquired the site and submitted plans to Allerdale council.

The project has been led by Lynne Thornton, of Little Broughton, who has two children with autism, with retired headteacher Gillian Hartley.

Around 15 volunteers with professional expertise are working on the project as governors and trust and steering group members.

Following planning approval, work is under way on the detailed design work for the school, including the internal finishes.

The recruitment process for the headteacher has begun, and a team of teachers and teaching assistants will be appointed throughout next year in preparation for opening.

Work is also being done to develop the school’s policies, financial processes and governance procedures.

A statutory consultation is set to be held later this year, prior to the funding agreement for the school being finalised.

Speaking when the planning permission was granted, Lynne said: "There is extensive activity behind the scenes. The individuals involved have gone beyond the remit of a governor or trustee’s role and have committed significant time and expertise to the project thus far."

The school will eventually cater for up to 56 children aged from four to 19, with no more than eight pupils to a class.

It is a requirement for free schools to start with a smaller number of pupils and work towards capacity. It is still to be confirmed which year groups Cumbria Academy for Autism will initially teach.

Admissions arrangements are being developed with the county council and the Department for Education.

The school aims to bridge the gap which exists for pupils with autism, between existing mainstream schools and those which cater for children with complex needs.

It will provide an academic, life skills and therapeutic curriculum.

As well as traditional facilities, it is hoped the school will include a life skills flat to teach pupils how to live independently, a cafe-style dining area to teach young people how to order food and handle money, and a studio which will use virtual reality and immersive technology to help them learn to navigate their communities.

The site has been empty since the Westlands Hotel was demolished in 2009. The hotel, which opened in 1972, was once one of the most luxurious hotels in the area.

It closed in December 2005 and was knocked down in 2009.