A FLOOD-hit Worcester school is "bouncing back", according to Worcester MP Mike Foster, who paid a visit to see how it was getting back to normal.

Cherry Orchard Primary School, in Timberdine Close, suffered tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage when it was hit by flooding in July.

But thanks to the hard work of staff and contractors the school opened on time in September for the start of the academic year, with a new £250,000 reception classroom block, consisting of three new classrooms, a kitchen and offices.

During his time at the school last week, Mr Foster discussed the flooding with headteacher Jeremy Harwood and then took part in an extensive question and answer session with 30 Year Six pupils.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Foster said: "The school was buzzing with life. The repairs and refurbishment needed because of the flood damage has been a huge task to manage, and Mr Harwood and his staff have done a tremendous job over the summer. I was also told of how parents rallied around the school in their hour of need, and that says something special about the school community.

"The new reception block looks stunning. It is home to 90 children and is a great environment for someone to start their schooling. In fact, the way the building has been developed over the past 10 years is a special story in itself.

"I spoke to Mr Harwood at length about the flooding, and the fact that the school does suffer from flash flooding on a fairly regular basis. I have now asked the Environment Agency to come along to the school and advise him what could be done to try and protect the school from regular damage.

"The question and answer session with the pupils was great - as always. There was a wide range of questions asked - from why do we have taxes, to why can't pupils be paid to go to school. I even told the pupils a few secrets about plans for Worcester, but I'm not sure they won't tell their parents."