WORKERS have started pulling down what remains of the fire-damaged Thornwell Primary School, as pupils embark on their summer holidays.

The burnt buildings have remained sectioned off at the site since a ferocious blaze ripped through them last month.

Firefighters were called to tackle the flames in the early hours of June 3, but their hard work was not enough to save the infants building and nursery unit going up in smoke.

However in just a few days youngsters were able to resume their education in demountable buildings set up in the aftermath, a temporary play area was created and pupils shared the junior building's toilets and hall.

The pupils focused some of their work on a fire-theme, encouraged to express their emotions through poems and pictures.

The community also pulled together to raise an astonishing £5,000, and even people living abroad sent cheques through the post after they were touched by the incident.

Speaking before the holidays, headteacher Linda Davies, said she will be pleased to start afresh next term, as the buildings were a 'sad reminder' of the loss the school faced.

Workers are expected to be on site for three weeks, and Monmouthshire council confirmed new demountable classrooms will be erected before pupils return.

Mrs Davies added in September, the school is set to employ an artist to create some kind of sculpture out of metal from the gutted buildings, to create a lasting reminder of the old school.

EDITORIAL COMMENT: Find the culprits

WHAT a terribly sad day to see a once thriving school bulldozed to the ground.

Thornwell Primary School was destroyed in a fire last month and readers will remember our pictures of the flames leaping out of the building.

Now workers have started pulling down what remains of the school. When this school was destroyed it didn’t just affect the children and pupils at the school but the entire community.

People raised £5,000, and even some abroad sent money to the school to try to help when they heard about the incident.

And still those responsible have yet to be caught.

Someone knows who they are and we urge anyone with information to go to the police straight away.