HUNDREDS of children in Newport will have their first lessons in the new St Joseph's Roman Catholic School today.

From today until Wednesday the pupils will have a staggered start at the new £10 million school in Pencarn Way, Newport.

Two weeks ago the pupils and staff packed up ready to start at Newport's new secondary school.

The pupils were given a specially extended half- term holiday to prepare the school for the new start.

The decision to build the school came after water was found to have penetrated the existing building, occupied for 30 years, and a study recommended that starting again with entirely new premises was the best way forward.

Work began in May 2003, and by February this year the fabric of the building was nearly complete.

Head teacher Susan Jenkins said she was determined to continue the school's strong traditions in its new building.