A TURF-cutting ceremony has been held at the site of the new All Saints' Academy in Cheltenham.

All Saints' will replace Christ College, which is due to close on August 31 next year, and will specialise in science, sport and religious education.

It is sponsored by the Anglican Diocese of Gloucester and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Clifton.

The Bishop of Gloucester, the Right Reverend Michael Perham, and the Bishop of Clifton, the Right Reverend Declan Lang, led a ceremony to bless the beginning of construction work on the new academy.

They were joined by Jackie Hall, county council cabinet member for schools, as well as county and borough councillors.

The Academy will have a multi-use, all-weather, synthetic sports pitch, fitness suite and a chapel.