This is the first exclusive look at early designs for a £30million education campus in Whitehaven.

The purpose-built campus would see St Benedict's School and Mayfield School on one site.

A drop-session was held today for pupils, parents and the community to see early designs of the state-of-the-art facility.

The proposals show separate buildings for each of the schools, on the St Benedict's School site, linked by a shared space for pupils and the wider community.

Parent Michelle McBride, of Whitehaven, said: "I've got no concerns about the plans. I'm quite happy. I think most of the children are looking forward to the new-build. It'll be light and airy. It's time for an update."

She was also impressed by the proposed sports facilities.

Plan for the new-build feature a three-storey building for St Benedict's. This would include an admission area, hall and classrooms on the ground floor. Classrooms would be situated on first and second floors and there will also be a chapel on the second floor.

Mayfield School would be over two storeys. The ground floor would be for early years pupils, while the second storey will be for Key Stage 4 and Post-16 pupils.

The shared facility features dining areas, sports facilities, and a hydrotherapy pool. It has been designed to provide some space for community use.

Mary and Fred Bragg, from nearby Walkmill Gardens, had raised concerns about the current traffic and parking problems, and whether this would be dealt with.

"We are happy with these plans," the pair concluded as designs show measures are being introduced to alleviate these issues.

Andy Holmes, Wates' principal design manager, said: "We have tried to move the entrance over from where the current problems are. The main thing we have tried to do, for the collect and drop off points, is to get the cars off the road and onto the site."

He said there will be bus lay-bys and taxi drop offs on site and "substantial car parking".

Wates representatives said feedback from the drop-in had been positive.

People are able to comment on the plans before the formal planning application is submitted by Cumbria County Council and main contractor Wates Construction later this year.

Feedback can be provided via email to info@stephenson-halliday. com or by post to Stephenson Halliday Ltd, 32 Lowther Street, Kendal LA9 4DH.

There will also be a chance to provide the council with a formal response to the planning application during the statutory consultation period later this year.

The unprecedented £30million investment in the campus comes from a range of partners including The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, Sellafield Ltd, Copeland Council, Copeland Community Fund, and Cumbria County Council.