A gas leak has forced an East Lancashire Primary School to close so engineers can make the building safe for pupils and staff.

Coates Lane Primary School in Barnoldswick was shut to all children on Wednesday after a gas leak was discovered, leaving staff with no option but to send pupils home.

On Tuesday evening, parents and carers were contacted via email or at the school gate to inform them of the closure, with teachers stating the incident was 'unavoidable'.

It is expected the school will re-open on Thursday.

A spokesperson for the Kirkstall Drive establishment said: "We hope we've managed to make contact with everyone either via email or on the gate but unfortunately we are having to close school tomorrow due to a gas leak.

"We understand that this is the last thing that any of us need at the moment and isn't ideal at all.

"However the welfare and safety of our pupils and staff is paramount.

"The contractors have made us a priority and are working as quickly and safely as possible to fix it.

"We are hoping to re-open on Thursday.

"Thank you so much to everyone who has shown understanding - once again you've proved to be a brilliant school community."