A primary school in Hyndburn has been added to the list of schools affected by dangerous RAAC concrete.

Knuzden St Oswald’s Church of England Primary Academy, in Mount St James, has been added to the list of schools in England that have been affected by the issue.

However, reassuringly all pupils remained in face-to-face education with affected areas shut off while repairs take place, meaning children's schooling was largely unaffected.

Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) is a lightweight material that was used mostly in flat roofing, floors and walls from 1950 to the 1990s.

It is a quicker alternative to standard concrete as it is cheaper and easier to install, however has a limited lifespan which once expired means the concrete can collapse without warning.

St Oswald’s is a Church of England Primary Academy in Knuzden, and a member of Cidari Multi Academy Trust, which found RAAC on-site after tests were sought out by the school.

Matt McIver, chief operating officer at Cidari Multi Academy Trust, said: "During proactive invasive sampling and laboratory testing commissioned by the Trust, RAAC was identified in an area of the school which was extended in the 1970's.

"Following Department for Education guidance, the affected areas were removed from use and we are working with the Department and our own contractors to address the issue.

"In the meantime, the wider school buildings are unaffected, and through temporary repurposing of spaces, all pupils continue to be taught on site.

"We have kept parents and carers reassured and updated since the problem was identified and will continue to do so as the situation is managed over the coming weeks."

Knuzden St Oswald's, coming under Hyndburn borough, is the first school in East Lancashire to be named on the Government's list of schools where RAAC has been found.

The only other school in the county is in Preston, which saw the start of term delayed due to the issue.

Thus far, more than 200 schools across the country have been identified as having RAAC in the building, as well as scores of other public buildings around the UK.

A total of 12 schools, as of the latest update from the Government on October 16, are still having to run some remote learning for pupils due to the issue

Approaching it’s 10th anniversary, Cidari Multi Academy Trust runs 14 academies across Blackpool, Fylde, Preston, Blackburn, Darwen, Lancaster, and Nelson.