THE first lessons are due to start today at Darlington's new £37.3m Education Village.

Up to 1,400 pupils will be familiarising themselves with their new surroundings at the start of the summer term.

Staff have worked over the Easter period to move equipment to the site from Haughton School, Springfield Primary School and Beaumont Hill Technology College - the schools which have been relocated onto the site.

Start times will be staggered to avoid confusion, while pupils, who have already been given induction tours at the end of last term, have been provided with a plan of the site.

The building was due to open last November, but there was a delay after an arson attack on the pool.

Features include top-class sporting facilities, such as sports halls, a swimming pool and hydrotherapy pool, dance and drama studios, a performance hall and village green.

There are also outdoor classrooms, interactive music rooms, a soft play room, dedicated parents' room, 550 computers, library and wireless Internet access.

For more information about the village, log onto www. educationvillage.org.uk