Two academy trusts with schools in Norfolk have been given the green light to merge into one.

The HEART Education Trust, which is in charge of four primary schools in the Norwich area, has been granted permission to join the Unity Schools Partnership.

The move, which has been approved by the Department for Education, comes after the Heartsease-based trust had already adopted a curriculum developed by Unity.

But it will see the four HEART schools formally become part of the multi-academy trust, which runs more than 30 schools across Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex.

Hazel Cubbage, chief executive of HEART, said: "Through the implementation of the curriculum and working closely with Unity, I have observed first-hand the benefits of being part of a larger trust.

"I have high aspirations for our academies and know that we can realise our vision much sooner as part of Unity - we believe it provides an excellent fit with our culture, visions and values.

"As a board we have been actively considering a merger with trusts that operate outside of Norfolk and want to use this opportunity to bring a strong trust into the area.

"We believe this merger will strengthen Unity's emerging Norfolk presence and add significant value to our local education system."

The organisation currently runs three other Norfolk-based schools - Robert Kett Primary in Wymondham and Colman infant and junior schools in Eaton.

It is also due to be opening a free school in Silfield and is due to lead a new special school being built in Great Yarmouth.

Tim Coulson, chief executive of the organisation, said: "Unity Schools Partnership has enjoyed working with the HEART Education Trust and is learning from the trust as it becomes part of the Norfolk education system.

"We were delighted when HEART approached us with this proposal."

HEART currently runs Heartsease Primary Academy, Lingwood Primary Academy, Valley Primary Academy and Henderson Green Primary Academy.