FIRST days at school are an exciting time for any pupil.

But for three Swindon schools it was extra special as it was the first time any children had walked through the doors.

Orchid Vale, in Haydon End, Red Oaks primary school in Redhouse and the new Moredon Primary School, on Moredon Road, all welcomed pupils into their new classrooms for the first time.

And judging by the reactions, this is one group of pupils who will not be missing any lessons.

At Orchid Vale, excited youngsters were giving their parents the grand tour of the building.

"It has gone really well," said headteacher Debbie Kalynka.

"It has been really lovely and all the children seem to be loving it. We have a top quality building and top quality staff as well.

"It is what the children deserve."

Seven-year-old Emily Vanes was enjoying drawing a picture of one of her classmates.

"The school is really nice," she said. "I like the playground best and there is lots to do. I like coming to school."

Alex Belcher, 10, agreed. "The new school is very nice," he said.

"It is very clean and tidy and the playground is nice and big."

At Moredon Primary School, which is an amalgamation of the infant and junior schools, the children were getting used to their new surroundings.

Lucy McGahey, four, was enjoying her first day of school wearing her new shoes.

"We have been playing," she said. "I like school."

And Anna Gordon was impressed by the new school dinners.

"I had a packed lunch but they looked much healthier," said the nine-year-old.

"The new school is great and I like the playground and the classrooms are really big."

Headteacher Lauren Connor said the first day had been fantastic.

"It has been lovely and I would like to say a big thank you to everyone that has worked so hard to give the children the best start.

"Everyone has been great. Last week it was a beautiful building but with the hard work the staff have put in it is now a beautiful school."

And it was a day full of excitement at Red Oaks Primary school with pupils finding King George XI sleeping in their hall.

"He told them a story about how this was once the great forest of Red Oaks and his castle was here," said headteacher Terri Menham.

"It has been a lovely day and I think all the children have had a great time and that is what it was all about."And with the help of children's television celebrity, Dave Benson Philips, the children planted a silver acorn, which - thanks to the help of a little magic dust - was a 12ft red oak tree by this morning.