A WATERSIDE school battered by winds that caused £100,000 of damage has been forced to introduce a "hot desk" policy.

Orchard Junior School, Dibden Purlieu, has faced a severe shortage of space since part of its roof was ripped off in last week's storms.

About 200 pupils still at school will break-up tomorrow, creating enough room to enable 200 other children sent home last week to return.

Hard-pressed staff had hoped the classrooms damaged in the storm would be repaired in time for next term, which starts on January 8.

But headteacher Bob Carson said it now looked as if the school would need temporary classrooms.

He praised the way teachers, non-teaching staff and parents rallied round after the site was ravaged by exceptionally strong winds last Friday.

He said: "Four rooms on the first floor lost their roof, and the water that entered the upper storey also affected four rooms below.

"Staff worked in teams of five to move equipment to dry areas.

"A lot of parents turned up to help and many people left messages asking us to ring them if they could be of assistance." The storm put eight of the 12 classrooms out of action.

Mr Carson said children still at school were preparing to swap places with those who were having to spend this week at home.

He said: "Year 5 and Year 6 will break-up tomorrow instead of next Wednesday.

"The areas they vacate will then be occupied by Year 3 and Year 4 for the last three days of term."

The county council confirmed that repairs to the school will cost in the region of £100,000.

A spokesman said the school was planning to make extensive use of the hall to help it cope with the crisis.