HEALTH Secretary and Darlington MP Alan Milburn came face-to-face with his old art teacher when he opened the region's newest school yesterday.

The Health Secretary unveiled the £1.23m Tow Law Millennium Primary School, in Wear Valley.

It was also a chance for Mr Milburn, a former pupil at the school, to see some faces from his youth.

During his visit, he met many former cooks, caretakers and teachers, including his former art teacher Annette Manchester, who spent 30 years at the school.

Mrs Manchester taught the politician in 1967 and came up with the idea to invite back the famous old boy.

She remembered: "He wasn't brilliant at art. He was quite a shy boy but very eloquent when you spoke to him. He's really blossomed.

"I expected Alan to do well in his career, but I never expected him to be a Cabinet minister.

"He's very, very nice and natural; almost as I remembered him."

A photograph of Mr Milburn playing football at the school was unearthed from the archives and presented to him.

The new school replaces a crumbling building that stood on the former school field.

It has the capacity for 150 pupils and includes five teaching areas, facilities for library and group work, quiet areas for children and a playing field currently being developed.

Durham County Council said that for a number of years it had been concerned at the deteriorating condition of the primary school, but until recently had lacked the funds to take action.