KEYS for Newport's newest school and leisure centre will be officially handed over this week.

Newport High School and the Active Living Centre in Bettws will open to pupils and the public on November 9.

But on Friday, the keys will be handed to council leader Cllr Matthew Evans by Steve Burgess, director of construction company Leadbitter Group.

The new £28 million school is a much-needed replacement for Bettws comprehensive school.

It will offer advanced teaching facilities including eight science labs, eight ICT suites, a fully-equipped design technology wing, six SEN areas and a vocational training, learning and resource centre.

Meanwhile the Active Living Centre, with its 25m swimming pool, fitness suite, multi-use games area and sports pitches, will be open for community use outside school hours.

Cllr Evans said he believed the school would offer generations of children the best education environment to ensure they reached their full potential.