A school has been forced to close due to flooding and damage caused by Storm Franklin.

Coates Lane Primary School will remain closed today (February 21) after last week's half term holiday.

Teachers arrived early this morning to find the year three classroom flooded and ceiling damage after being battered by the storm.

Headteacher of the Barnoldswick school, Sarah White has taken the decision to keep the school shut until the damage can be repaired and the school made safe for pupils to return.

Mrs White said: “We are absolutely devastated.

“The pictures don’t even show the full severity.

“After three hours at the school, the water is still pouring through the ceiling.

“The surveyors are here and trying to fix it.

“All the exercise books and reading books are covered in water.

“It’s just so sad. The classroom is like a second home to us and we are just heartbroken with the damage.”

Mrs White said that staff arrived shortly after 7am to find the school flooded with ceiling tiles cracked and on the floor; and damaged electrics.

A video on the school's Twitter page shows holes in the ceiling with water pouring though and debris strewn across the floor and tables in a classroom.

The year three classroom ceiling has fallen in, ruining all the classroom equipment including reading books, exercise books the reading corner and the computer.

There is a leak in the library which has left the carpet is wet through and another leak in the corridor, with water running down it.

After looking into the damage, it has been decided that the school can re-open to all pupils except year three tomorrow (February 22).

READ MORE: LIVE BLOG - Storm Franklin: High winds and stormy weather hit Lancashire

Announcing the sad news to parents on social media on Monday morning, Mrs White said: “We've arrived to find considerable damage from the storm overnight across school. We've got ceilings down, a flooded corridor and damaged electrics.

“I cannot open school until I know it is safe for the children and staff. Mrs Murphy and I will be working hard today to ensure that can sort this.

“I know this is the last thing that you need but I have to put safety first.

“We are so sad.”

The school is hopeful that the damage repairs will be paid for by Lancashire County Council however they have set up a GoFundMe page while the await confirmation.

A weather warning for wind was enforced on Sunday at midday and remains in place until 1pm today.

This comes after several days of bad weather has hit the county after Storm Dudley and Storm Eunice also brought strong winds, with East Lancashire seeing snow on Saturday.

You can donate to the fundraiser here.