It has been 30 years coming, but Peacehaven's new secondary school is finally open.

The newly built Peacehaven Community School is one of the first in the county to be built under the Government's Private Finance Initiative (PFI).

Its opening yesterday marked a successful end to a 30-year campaign led by parents.

Head teacher Fiona Wright said it was a historic day for the Peacehaven community.

She said: "For myself as a head teacher and for all the staff there is a sense this is a once in a career opportunity, to be in on the start of a new school, and a school which is very much looking to the 21st century.

"Being one of the first built under the PFI is an added responsibility and a real challenge.

"We are trying to work with the children as young adults, taking the view they want to learn and trying to help them become the best they are capable of. It is closer to a workplace or college than a school environment."

The school site was bought in the Sixties but it took marches, petitions and the formation of a parents' action group before the Government recognised the town needed its own secondary school.

Until now most children in the town have attended Tideway School in Newhaven.

Lindsey Cove, a parent, school governor and member of the parents' action group, said: "I felt quite overwhelmed this morning. My 11-year-old Jai is one of the first pupils and because he's been with me throughout the campaign he appreciates what it means to have the school here."

The new building, next to Meridian Leisure Centre in Greenwich Way, will eventually have 750 pupils.