Schools in Devon are receiving a 7.1% increase in funding

Hundreds of schools in Devon have received a massive investment in funding from the county council.

All 372 schools run by the local authority are getting a 7.1% increase in funding this year.

Schools with greatest needs are also receiving an extra 2% in cash.

The council says the �260m budget for learning exceeds the government's spending targets on schools.

Government figures published on Friday showed Devon was the only authority in the South West to pass on all its money allocated by government for schools.

Senior county councillors said Devon's big commitment to supporting children's education had also protected teachers from the major job losses hitting schools in other parts of the county, such as in Plymouth and Torbay.

'Real growth'

Councillor John Hart, who is responsible for schools on the council's executive, said: "Not only has Devon County Council met the government's spending target on schools, we've improved on it.

"The county council is investing real growth into funding for schools and in targeting extra help at those schools and communities in greatest need.

"It is both an acknowledgement of the fine work our schools are doing and a strong signal that the county council is determined to see continued improvement in performance."

Councillor Hart said he wanted to thank Devon's council tax-payers because, without their extra contribution, the spending increase would not have been possible.

Council taxes have risen by nearly 18% to meet spending plans.