STAFF at a school destroyed in an arson attack earlier this year have invited parents and friends to look round their new building.

Hardwick Primary School, in Sedgefield, was damaged by the fire in January and children had to be taught at various locations in the village until a temporary school could be built.

In the largest project of its kind undertaken by Durham County Council, 32 units were slotted together and the pupils moved back during May.

The community rallied round to help the children and held a series of fundraising events to help buy equipment lost in the blaze.

Headteacher Gill Coulson said: "We invited parents, Sedgefield residents and representatives of all the groups who helped us to have a look round school.

"We wanted them to see it in operation and have a look at some of the activities going on, rather than just look at an empty school."

Hardwick School is to be rebuilt and should be ready to move back in next March, but Mrs Coulson said everybody is pleased with the temporary building for the time being.

She said: "It is lovely because it's brand spanking new and we are very pleased with it.