THOUSANDS of pounds will need to be spent after a flood affected a primary school. 

A burst pipe flooded two classrooms in Dalton St Mary's CofE Primary School causing extensive water damage.

Headteacher Michelle Hughes explained that more than £20,000 is needed to replace what was destroyed including hundreds of books, carpets, flooring and the rooms that need to be redecorated.

Mould was also found growing in items such as the soft chairs which have had to be replaced.

Ms Hughes said: "The insurance company will cover us for this; we will only have to pay a small excess but that will then put our premiums up so we will probably end up having to pay more. 

"Our insurance company will be here tomorrow (January 11) to remove the carpets and to fog the equipment that we have been able to save to make sure it is safe for the children to use again.

"We have to develop an audit list so we can price up and start ordering books and furniture to replace the ones damaged."

All children safely returned to school on Monday, January 8. However, the children of Years 3 and 4 still cannot use their own classrooms as those were the ones affected by the flood.

Year 3 is currently using the hall, which has now been fixed after being damaged by a rainwater leak. Children in year 4 are in a spare small room previously used for groups.

Ms Hughes praised the staff and parents for their patience and support over the last week.

"The staff have been absolutely fantastic," she said.

"They have gone above and beyond to try and make the children settled in their new rooms.

"Parents have been fabulous as well - very understanding and very patient. The children have been brilliant - they always seem to be so adaptable, and they are coping well with the change, which is great.

"We feel quite lucky. The insurance company have been great."