THE first day at high school -- an emotional rollercoaster of anticipation, excitement and fear -- remains implanted on everyone's memory. As thousands of children returned to school yesterday, JEMMA DOBSON asked one new secondary school pupil - and her mum - to recall their thoughts and emotions at the start of term at a new high school.

PAULA Blurton used to attend a school five minutes' walk from her home in James Street, Belthorn.

But all that has changed this week with the move to "big school."

Paula, went to Belthorn Primary from the age of four but is now one of the new starters at Rhyddings High School, Oswaldtwistle.

Mother Cath, 41, a postal clerk in Rawtenstall town centre, said she was nervous when her daughter stepped out of the front door.

She said her main concern was the number of other children. She explained: "Paula has always been quite timid and I was more worried about her than her brother, Fred, 15, because she was never one for speaking out in front of people.

"And with so many more children I'm worried she won't be able to ask teachers when she needs help."

Mrs Blurton said another worry was the extended distance her daughter has to travel. Having to set off 45 minutes earlier than before, Paula has to catch the school bus on her own.

Mrs Blurton and her husband, Sam, 45, a manager at a Rochdale security firm said it is also an expensive transformation after spending £150 to kit Paula out.

She said: "And that was doing it sensibly. I bet other mums would have spent more than that."