A big boost for schools in West Sussex has been unveiled with a record education budget increase of almost £19 million.

The bulk of the cash will be spent increasing standards. Extra funds have been earmarked to help children with special needs and gifted youngsters.

An extra 207 members of staff will be hired to cope with rising pupil numbers, including 100 teachers.

The £379.5 million education budget for the new financial year is a 5.2 per cent increase on last year.

Neil Matthewson, lead county councillor for education, said: "It is a very good news budget for the county and part of our continuing aim to drive up standards."

The council also claims the bulk of the extra cash will reach schools with the minimum used on bureaucracy. The budget includes:

An extra £50,000 for a programme aimed at helping gifted pupils achieve their potential
£420,000 more for special schools
A £50,000 expansion of a programme to work with children who display behavioural problems
An extra £2 million for building works.