AS BARACK Obama’s time as president comes to an end, a teacher and hotel boss have shared memories of the US leader’s historic visit to Newport.

Hundreds gathered outside Mount Pleasant Primary School in Rogerstone from 6am to meet the President and Prime Minister, David Cameron, in September, 2014.

Bystanders stood on garden walls to get a view of the long convoy of cars and vans, as the President waved from a black car with tinted windows.

Mr Obama was one of 60 world leaders attending the Nato summit in Newport, becoming the first ever US president to visit the area.

Andy Rothwell, then deputy head at Mount Pleasant Primary School, described it as a “once in a lifetime opportunity.”

“From the children’s point of view to be able to ask questions to somebody so important and to be given such detailed answers was just wonderful,” he said.

“He was smiling, laughing and joking with the pupils. There were thousands of people who came to the school, even the night before the visit there were people milling around.

“It was a special day for the school and for Newport.”

During the visit, world leaders were hosted at the Celtic Manor Resort hotel to discuss issues including the Ukraine crisis and the rise of Islamic State.

Ian Edwards, chief executive of the hotel, said: “We were proud to bring the 2014 NATO Wales Summit to Newport and to have President Obama attend as the first sitting US President ever to visit Wales.

“There were many powerful world leaders at the Summit but President Obama was, without doubt, the one everyone was talking about before, during and after the conference.

“His only regret was that he had not found time for a round of golf on the Twenty Ten Course. We wish him well as he leaves office and we hope that one day he might find time for that game of golf here.”

One year after the visit, Mr Obama sent a letter to thank the people of Newport for for their hospitality as a new £100,000 play park was opened in Rogerstone.

Writing on behalf of the president to Rogerstone Community Council, ambassador Matthew Barzun said: “The warmth of your welcome to President Obama a year ago not only demonstrated the best of Welsh hospitality, it was also testament to your great community spirit.”