THE THOMAS twins were used to being the only pair on the block - but not anymore. For at their new school there are four sets of twins... and a set of triplets. Ten-year-olds David and Ryan Thomas have just moved from Ystrad Mynach to Ynysddu Primary.

The brothers said: "We were really suprised when we got here because there was only one other set in our old school, and that was much bigger.

"There are some advantages being an identical twin, because you can blame the other one if you get in trouble. But then the same thing happens to you and it's not so funny."

David and Ryan are joined by three-year-olds Max and Libby Jones, James and Rhys Terry, three, Carrie, Lara and Nerrisse Davies, five, and six-year-olds Courtney and Georgia Brain.

Ynysddu's head teacher, Ann Carlisle, says that in 23 years of teaching she has never come across so many.

Mrs Carlisle said: "It's amazing. They have all either just moved to the area or come back, it's just a great coincidence that they all came at once. I think Fate must have brought them here at the same time. The parents were all really surprised when we told them that there were so many sets of twins and one of triplets.

"The staff did have a few problems identifying each of the twins, but now they have got to grips with it. For example, David wears white trainers and Ryan, black, so that their teacher can tell them apart.

"They're all really happy kids and seem to be settling in well. I think it probably helps that they don't feel like they are the only set of siblings with the same birthday. "I can't provide an explanation of why there are so many sets. There must be something in the water."

PICTURED: Ynysddu Primary School boasts a set of triplets and four sets of twins. At the top are Ryan and David Thomas. Below them are triplets Carrie, Lara and Nerrisse Davies. On the bence, from left, are Rhys and James Terry, Courtney and Georgia Brain and Libby and Max Jones.