SHEPHERD Construction, part of the York-based Shepherd Group has won an £8 million design and build contract basis to build a new school for children with special educational needs at Parr St Helens.

The blockbuster contract by St Helens Metropolitan Borough Council was based on Shepherd's thorough knowledge and understanding of partnering in education projects.

Work is due to begin on site in next spring and is expected to take two years to complete.

Updated: 09:10 Tuesday, August 27, 2002