A FORMER pupil has appeared in court charged with arson at a Clayton-le-Moors primary school.

Blackburn magistrates heard that if it hadn't been for the prompt action of the fire brigade the whole of All Saints primary school could have been gutted. Kymberley Charlotte Rowbotham, 22, of Owen Court, Clayton-le-Moors, faces two charges of arson, one resulting in £10,000 of damage to roofing and stonework and the other damage to a wheelie bin. Rowbotham was sent on bail to Burnley Crown Court where she will appear on November 13.

Conditions of bail include not to go within 200m of the school, an electronically monitored curfew between 6pm and 6am and not to possess a lighter or matches in a public place.

Fires broke out at opposite ends of the school in the early hours of Monday. rought the blaze under control but extensive damage was caused to one classroom.