SCHOOL pupils were sent home from Hesketh Fletcher High School on Friday morning after a water main burst in Atherton town centre.

The town's main street was flooded when a pipe burst beneath Market Street. Supplies to homes were hit and water bowsers taken to affected areas.

A United Utilities spokesman said: "A water main in Market Street burst at 4am and some people have experienced poor supplies and temporary shut-offs.

"Pupils were sent home from the high school because of poor water pressure. Our engineers redirected supplies to homes and are working to repair the damage."