SCHOOLS in Monmouth may now be on their Easter holidays - but three in particular have egg-stra cause for celebration.

The design of the proposed new Wyesham Primary School has been praised by councillors, who passed the building's planning application last week. And Monmouth Comprehensive has been named as one of the best state schools in Wales by the Daily Telegraph newspaper.

Members of Monmouth-shire County Council's planning committee welcomed the scheme which amalgamates both Wyesham infant and junior schools at their meeting in which they gave the go-ahead for the 210-place primary school to be built on the site of the existing junior school - together with a 52-place nursery and community facilities.

Cllr Peter Clarke, the chairman of the Monmouthshire planning committee described the new school as one of the most attractive schools he has seen for a long time.

George Ashworth, head of planning said they welcomed the plans because the school would be very sustainable, using collected rainwater. He said it will be built in front of the existing school which will eventually be demolished to make space for parking.

Cllr Mike Smith said the design was very similar to the new £7million Deri View Primary School in Abergavenny and he found it innovative, adding: "What a wonderful environment in which to educate our children."

The former Monmouth town clerk Cllr Ann Webb said: "This is really exciting for Wyesham, which has always been split from the rest of the town by the A40, and I welcome the additional community facilities. This is a really exciting day to see this come to fruition."

Mr Ashworth said 60 letters had been sent to local residents and they had received only one objection claiming the new school would spoil the view. He said the design of the building was unconventional but uses local materials and it is based on sustainable principles, maximising the use of natural light and ventilation. The roof is designed to conserve water for use within the school building and grounds.

Meanwhile, Monmouth Comprehensive School was profiled recently by the Daily Telegraph, and concluded that not only was it one of the best state schools in the county, it was one of the best schools in Wales. The report added that its popularity and its successful results was one of the chief reasons why people wanted to buy housing in the area as the catchment area includes all the local villages as well as the town itself. Headteacher Carole Anderson said: "We're delighted to be recognised nationally in a profile like this. Our results speak for themselves and our students are proud of being educated here. "It just goes to show that in Monmouth parents have a real choice where they can have their children educated."