Classes are about to start again for pupils whose school was closed due to flooding.

Temporary classrooms have been winched into place at Lewes New School.

The school, in Talbot Terrace, had only been open a few weeks when torrential rain submerged much of Lewes.

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

Staff and parents managed to rescue some equipment and books but the extent of the damage means the building cannot be used until repairs are carried out.

One of those involved in setting up the independent school, Danielle Vines, 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."

Experts say it will take up to six months to return the Grade II listed building to working order.

Mrs Vines said: "We see this as an opportunity to improve the school building by adding things like solar panels for power and environmentally friendly lighting.

"We will also make improvements that will hopefully ensure the building survives much better in the future."

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