PUPILS have moved into their new village school - three years after their former building was devastated by an arson attack.

Yesterday, the £3.2m St George's Church of England Aided Primary School threw open its doors for the first time.

Two classrooms and more than half the roof were severely damaged at the former Middleton St George Primary School, which also suffered extensive water damage, in February 2003.

Last week, children and staff said farewell to the old school, built in August 1911, before moving into the new building next door.

In the afternoon, the 312 pupils had the chance to show their parents around the site.

Headteacher Janine Gleeson said: "It has gone absolutely brilliantly. It's been so lovely to see the looks on the children's faces. They're really in awe and have been amazed by it all.

"They've really got into their work as well, doing the rules for the new school and planning their routes around the building."

The school - which also serves Sadberge - has a range of new features, including a computer suite, interactive whiteboards in every classroom, a new hall and video-conferencing facilities.

Other facilities include a 30-place nursery, sports facilities and a multi-use games area.

Following the blaze, the pupils and staff initially moved into the former Firthmoor Primary School, in nearby Darlington.

They moved back to the village after four temporary classrooms and a dining room were put in place at the old school.

Education chiefs at Darlington Borough Council responded to the crisis by announcing plans for the 315-place school on the same Neasham Road site.

Councillor Chris McEwan, cabinet member for children's services, said: "I am delighted that everyone has enjoyed their first day at what is a fantastic new school, and am sure there will be many more happy times to come.

"This is yet another superb learning environment for primary school-age children in the borough, following on from the opening of schools at Firthmoor, Skerne Park and Harrowgate Hill."

Two 14-year-old boys were given a two-year detention and training order after admitting arson at Teesside Crown Court in June 2003.