Temporary classrooms have been winched into place for lessons at a school closed by floods.

Lewes New School, in Talbot Terrace, had been open for only a few weeks when the torrential rains which submerged most of the town hit last week.

Water rose to more than half a metre in the classrooms, forcing teachers and the 34 pupils to abandon the building.

Despite desperate efforts by staff and parents, who managed to rescue some of the equipment and books only just bought for the independent school, the damage means the building cannot be used until after repairs.

Danielle Vines, one of those involved in setting up the new school, said: "While the flood water was rising we were all wading around in the playground trying to rescue things from the classrooms and take them to higher ground.

"A parent lent us a rubber dinghy which we were desperately putting things in but a lot of it was damaged and we will have to start again."

It will take up to six months to return the Grade II listed building to working order. Walls have to be re-plastered, floorboards ripped up and wood panelling replaced.

But the school was set up with an environmental ethos and staff hope to improve the building.

Mrs Vines said: "We see this as an opportunity to add things like solar panels for power and environmentally friendly lighting."

Classes are expected to re-start after the half-term break.