The regeneration of a rundown Darlington estate began last week with the opening of a primary school co-designed by children.

WHEN pupils at Firthmoor Primary School in Darlington wrote a letter to Tony Blair asking for a new school as part of a class project, they didn't really expect to get one.

They were just fed up with their old school building in Highmoor Road, which had been badly flooded, was dingy and cramped.

Now, thanks not to the Prime Minister, but to Darlington Borough Council, almost 300 children are enjoying the benefits of a modern, spacious school which they helped to design.

Just across the street from their old school, the new £2m Firthmoor Primary School - the first to be built by Darlington council since it became a unitary authority - is a far cry from its predecessor.

Each of the ten classrooms comes equipped with an interactive whiteboard, at least one personal computer and brightly coloured chairs which denote whether pupils are in Key Stage One or Two.

There is also better security, an information technology suite, a hexagonal music and drama studio, a wood-panelled library, a nursery and a hall with a stage and sound system.

The central courtyard, around which the school is built, will eventually feature a fountain, flower beds, pagoda trees, a wildlife patch and an outdoor classroom.

The first thing that is noticeable to a visitor when entering one of the new classrooms, is the enthusiasm of the children.

They jump out of their seats when asked to demonstrate the new whiteboards, which most of the teachers are still getting to grips with.

"The whiteboard itself becomes a computer and the child's finger becomes the mouse when they touch the screen," said headteacher Andrena Cabourn.

"The whole class can work interactively and it is incredibly engaging for them. The children can word-process in front of each other and we can play educational DVDs through the system."

Special needs pupils - of which there are a number at Firthmoor - can go to the soundproof studio, called The Hub, for anger management classes.

Mrs Cabourn said: "We are a very inclusive school and The Hub is ideal for youngsters with problems."

The children, who contributed ideas for the school's design, say they are delighted with the result.

"It's beautiful," said eight-year-old Sadie Weir. "It has got nice toilets and nice chairs, and nice tables and classrooms."

"It is a dream come true," said Charmaine Hughes, also aged eight. "We wanted a new school and asked for one and we've got one. It is brilliant."

Parents say they have never seen their children so excited about going to school.

"I think it is great now. The kids love it. They can't wait to get out of bed and get to school." said parent Lynn McKay, 32.

For Mrs Cabourn, the new building represents more than just a pleasant environment for staff and pupils.

With Firthmoor on the brink of huge regeneration, including a new community centre, she sees it as the first step towards revitalisation.

"We want to work with the local community to make this estate a fantastic place to live," she said.

"There's a big hole in the middle of the estate where the houses were demolished, but the school is the first new building in years. It should help people here to look forward to the future with a lot of hope."