All new Wiltshire schools will have fire sprinklers installed as part of a new council policy.

Last November, councillors agreed a resolution to install sprinklers in all new major school projects. The policy is due to go to Cabinet on January 26.

Although the council has had very few instances of fire damage in its schools, installing fire sprinklers could save a school from significant and lasting damage if there were a fire.

Sprinklers are currently being installed at the new Melksham Oak Community School and the new Shrewton Primary School.

It applies to all new-build schools and significant extensions or refurbishment projects. It does not include the retrospective installation of sprinklers to existing school buildings where no major building project is planned.

The policy also recommends that budget provision for sprinkler systems is made at the start of a project and be included in any bids.