WITHERNSEA Primary School has opened its doors for the first time following the merger of the town's infant and junior schools.

Education leaders say the amalgamation of the Hull Road schools makes economic sense and brings greater stability for pupils.

Now, pupils aged four to 11 will stay at the same school with the same teachers.

East Riding Council's schools portfolio holder Councillor Penny Peacock said: "From an economic point of view, it makes sense not to have separate heads.

"The benefit for the children is continuity, so they don't have the big step between different schools, which some children find quite difficult."

Just a handful of infant and junior schools now exist across the East Riding following similar mergers in recent years.

Mrs Peacock said: "If a head retires or leaves, we look at the viability of the school and we go through a public consultation process if an amalgamation is proposed."

Withernsea Primary's head Angela Harper was head of the junior school and acting head of the infant school ahead of the merger.

Pupils at other East Riding schools have also seen changes at the start of term this week.

About £3.5 million has been spent on 82 improvement and repair projects in the school holidays.

Eleven schools also have a new head at the helm.