A contractor has been chosen to build a multi-million pound academy for the workforce of tomorrow in Cumbria.

Secondary education will receive a boost from the academy, which could be built over one site for £30 million at Parkview or two for up to £45 million at Thorncliffe as well, reported the Northwest Evening Mail.

When completed in 2012 the academy would replace three existing secondary schools with an up to date learning environment.

The preferred bidder is the Kier Group, which is putting up new buildings for academies in other parts of the country.

It has also constructed the base for a call centre in Barrow.

Barrow councillor Anne Burns, deputy leader of the county council and its cabinet member for children's services, said: "The academy contracts are spread throughout the county and represent a vast financial investment to help our young people receive the best possible education for generations to come."

Community leaders have praised the scheme for its commitment to higher education in Barrow.