AN ACCRINGTON school was forced to close on Thursday due to a burst water main.

St Anne’s and St Joseph’s school, on Sandy Lane, Accrington, was due to reopen on Friday 9 May following the enexpected one-day closure.

Headteacher Mrs Elaine Richards, said: “We got a call at 9am on Thursday saying a water main at the bottom of Sandy Lane near Adelaide Street had been damaged and we were advised to shut the school.

“Most of the 311 pupils had already arrived at school and teachers had a few phone calls to make to parents to get them collected. There was no drinking water, water in the toilets, or water to wash your hands.“

Margaret Smith, one of the welfare staff, got water from a friends‘ private spring nearby to allow the teacher to put the kettle on while they were working at the school during the closure.

Mrs Richards added: “All the parents responded really quickly. We told the children that while they were off we wanted them to make the most of the sunshine and to take the time to relax ahead of their SAT exams next week.”