Three schools in Burnley have partially closed after staff shortages due to coronavirus.

This morning Unity College told parents on Tuesday morning that pupils in Year 9 should stay home, while Ridgewood Community High School will close completely this afternoon.

Sir John Thursby Community College have cancelled lessons for Year 9 and 10 pupils.

In a post on its website, Unity College headteacher Sally-Jane Cryer said: "Having carefully considered the options, we have taken the decision to close to Year 9 today, Tuesday 17th March.

“We will review this decision daily and will communicate with you as soon as we can about any further closures moving forwards.”

It confirmed that 14 members of staff have self-isolated at home.

The school will continue to be open for Year 7, 8, 10 and 11 with mock exams still going ahead.

It added: “Should any student present any symptoms, in line with the government guidance, they should remain at home.

“Some classes will not go ahead if staff are absent and students will be supervised in a room doing private study / silent reading at times."

In a letter to parents, headteacher at Ridgewood Community High School, Ian Carden, said the situation was "complex and rapidly changing" as he explained he did not know when the school would reopen.

"Please be aware that we do not know when we can reopen as we will be monitoring, on a daily basis, staff available to return to school," he said.

"We will keep in regular contact through Facebook, the school website and Parent App."