PART of a Monmouthshire school was destroyed by fire in the early hours of this morning.

Firefighters were called to Thornwell Junior and Infants School, Bulwark, at around 1.06am, where they found a well-established fire in the infants block.

Crews from Chepstow, Caldicot, Cwmbran, Caerphilly, Maindee, Cefn Fforest, Duffryn, Usk and Gloucestershire battled the flames for more than four hours to get the blaze under control and prevent it from spreading. Fire investigation officers are still at the scene. The cause of the blaze is not yet known.

A Monmouthshire council spokesman said: "It has completely destroyed the Infant building, which included three classrooms, the nursery unit and infant hall.

"We are assessing of the situation and it is hoped that the school will be open early next week with Infant pupils being accommodated in the junior building."

Did you see the fire or take any pictures? Contact the newsdesk on 01633 777226 or email newsdesk@southwalesargus.co.uk.