A DANCE school reopened months after it was devastated by floods.

The owners of the Garland Theatre School, at the Point, in Canvey, cut the ribbon of their revamped school on Saturday, with the help of Castle Point MP Rebecca Harris.

More than £40,000 damage was caused to the school during the July flood, despite desperate attempts by parents and staff to try and stem the waters.

Parents, pupils and teachers rushed to the school after an appeal or help on social media. Despite valiant efforts to bail out almost six feet of water, the building, it was left with extensive damage.

Co-owner Alan Tomlin said: “The school suffered extensive damage, along with many other homes and businesses on Canvey.

“The studio was under water, despite the efforts of about 30 parents and pupils responding to a Facebook and Twitter alert for assistance with bailing out.

“All concerned worked nonstop until 11o’clock on the night of the storm, but still could not reduce the flood level. Refurbishment took longer than expected, but the end result was well worth the wait, as we now have newlydecorated premises with a brand new dance floor.

“Principal Lorraine Tomlin and all pupils are pleased to be finally back home.”

It is the second time the school, which regularly has about 40 performers attending, has been flooded and Mr Tomlin said they have now been quoted a £10,000 insurance excess.

He added: “If it happens again, we are are out of business.

“That is the long and short of it. We can’t take another hit like that.”