CHILDREN at Downderry's flood-stricken school returned to class on Wednesday after a 'great community effort' to clean up the building and grounds.

The start of the new term had to be delayed for several days to enable essential repairs to be carried out and the site made safe for the return of the children following the flood which struck St Nicolas Church of England School on December 22.

Headteacher Lee Rounce explained that all but one room in the building was affected by the mud and water.

'Staff, governors and representatives of Cornwall Council and the Diocesan Board of Education have worked extremely hard to get the school ready for the return of the children,' he said.

Although the children returned on Wednesday it was not for long – most of them promptly set off for the Eden Project on a trip giving a further opportunity for work on the badly damaged building.

A team of builders is now on site working hard to complete the restoration of one classroom where the floor had to be taken up and replaced.

Work is also ongoing in the reception classroom, meaning the reception children are currently studying in nearby St Nicolas Church.

Mr Rounce said they seemed to be enjoying the change of venue and were looking forward to joining in the village pilates class yesterday!

As well as carrying out the physical repairs, the school faces the task of replacing carpets, furnishings and other equipment. The future of the books in the school library depends on how well they have dried out after being exposed to the damp atmosphere.

Other areas of the school may also need to remain 'out of bounds' for the first few weeks.

'The health and safety of the children remains our primary concern and we appreciate the patience of parents in this matter,' said Mr Rounce, who praised everyone who had rallied round after the flood.