PUPILS and staff were evacuated after a fire broke out at a high school.

Firefighters were called to Blackburn Central High School on Haslingden Road, on Tuesday, after reports of a fire in one of the toilet cubicles.

The school's sprinkler system kicked-in, which stopped the fire from spreading, and firefighters used fire extinguishers to put out the remaining flames.

Watch manager at Blackburn Fire Station, Caroline Sturgess said: "At around 4pm we were called to Blackburn Central High School following reports of a fire in a toilet.

"The fire, which involved a toilet roll holder, had set off the school's automatic fire system and luckily the school had a sprinkler system in place which stopped any further spread.

"Nobody was hurt as a result of the fire and all students and staff were evacuated."

Despite there not being any serious fire damage, due to the amount of water released via the sprinkler system, the school has suffered extensive water damage and will be closed to some pupils on Wednesday.

A spokesperson for BCHS said: "Sadly we had a fire at school. There has been considerable damage to one end of the building which needs checking.

"As a result school will only be open to years 10 and 11 tomorrow.

"School will remain closed tomorrow for years seven, eight and nine."

Firefighters remained at the incident until 6.30pm and police are now investigating.