A HAMPSHIRE school badly damaged by 80mph winds is all set to reopen in time for the new term.

Orchard Junior School at Water Lane, Waterside, had part of its roof ripped off during a severe storm that wreaked havoc across the South on December 8.

Classrooms on the upper storey were exposed to torrential rain, which also damaged facilities on the ground floor.

About 200 children were sent home, but swapped places with fellow pupils for the last three days of term.

Hampshire County Council has now embarked on a £100,000 repair project.

The damaged building has been equipped with an interim roof, and temporary classrooms have been installed on the school playground.

Headteacher Bob Carson said: "The eight rooms affected by the storm have been completely gutted prior to repairs. A stairwell is also having to be rebuilt.

"But staff are coming in over the holiday to shift furniture, and we're all set to reopen on January 8 as planned.

"Six classes will be in the temporary buildings, one will be in the music studio and one will be in the library.

"It will be a strange sort of school, but very much business as usual."