Obama and Cameron greeted by crowds during school visit

President Barack Obama and Prime Minister David Cameron were met by hundreds of well-wishers as they arrived at a primary school in Newport.

A 22-car convoy carrying the two leaders swept into Mount Pleasant Primary School in Rogerstone, Newport, at 09:40 BST on Thursday.

President Obama and Mr Cameron joined a lesson both greeting children with "Bore Da" - good morning in Welsh.

They made the 30-minute visit before joining delegates for the Nato summit.

President Obama and David Cameron joined in the children's class for half an hour

President Obama and Mr Cameron were driven to the school from nearby Celtic Manor - where the summit is being held.

There were cheers as the motorcade pulled into the school, with the US President's black stretch limousine bearing a Welsh flag for the first time in history. A car of armed guards then blocked the entrance to the school.

The world leaders then watched a lesson for year five and six pupils on Nato led by Army reservist Lieutenant Rachel Broughton, 28, of Tenby. They listened in as the children answered questions on Nato and its members on their second day back at school.

Ben, 10, read out a welcome message to President Obama when he arrived, thanking him for being the first serving US president to visit Wales.

He said: "I was pretty nervous but my mum and dad said he's just an ordinary guy - and when I did it I really enjoyed it. I was trying to tell him Wales was a great place to stay and we'd show off the country a little bit and the school as well.

"I was in shock when I was chosen - I'm overwhelmed with what I did."

Members of the public started to gather outside from 05:50 BST hoping to catch a glimpse of the president.

Some had folding chairs and picnics to make the wait more comfortable.

Parents were asked to get children to the school, which has about 230 pupils, by 08:30 BST.

As pupils arrived they were directed through a metal detector.

Around 500 people had gathered outside the school gates, waiting for President Obama and Mr Cameron to arrive, many carrying Welsh and US flags.

Some brought ladders while others stood on walls, or even on the back of bikes to try to get the best vantage point.

President Obama listening to children at the Newport school

The special lesson on Nato was led by Army reservist Rachael Broughton

David Cameron tweeted pictures of himself and Barack Obama inside the school

The two world leaders joined a class in the school for a lesson about Nato

Teachers explained that the visit was the result of a message they sent on Twitter in June.

The tweet to Nato said Year 6 pupils had been finding out all about the summit and "would love a VIP visit!"

Sally Pyrah-Barnes, 47, said it was "a once in a lifetime" experience and it was good he was "acknowledging the local city and the local kids".

Parents said pupils had been taught about Nato in preparation for Obama's visit.

One told BBC Radio Wales the visit was "new for Wales" he added: "It's nice to have him come to my little boy's school."

Another called the visit "an amazing opportunity for our children".

Local councillor Chris Evans, also in the crowd outside the school gates, added it had given the area a big boost.

"It has brought the whole community together," he said. "It's especially good after the recent bad news we've had with 600 job cuts at a bakery firm."

Deputy head teacher Andrew Rothwell said: "It's been a real pleasure to host Barack Obama and David Cameron.

"As you can see, the children have not stopped smiling. It's given them a tremendous sense of pride."

Children at the school were among students from across Wales who have written postcards to world leaders attending the summit telling them what they would like to see changed in the world by the time they are adults.

Their messages of hope for the future will be presented to Nato leaders at the summit.

Members of the public gather outside the school waiting for President Obama and the Prime Minister

BBC News political editor Nick Robinson tries to get a view a good view from a rooftop

Welsh and US flags were on display in anticipation of the president's arrival

US ambassador Matthew Barzun meets well-wishers outside school

Crowds jostle to get the best view outside the school, using bikes, ladders and walls