PUPILS will be back in class after half-term even though their primary school has been badly damaged by fire.

Bev Taylor, headteacher of St John's CE Primary, Hindley Green, said the school community would emerge stronger following last Thursday night's devastating blaze.

She said: "We realise the building suffered considerable damage, but the school community is not confined to the building and it remains strong.

"I was at the scene of the fire and took comfort from the number of people from Hindley Green, the church and the community who came to offer help and support. We have continued to receive offers of help and support."

Last Friday the Bishop of Warrington, the Rt. Rev David Jennings, visited the scene.

Miss Taylor said: "Bishop David was extremely supportive and we were glad of his concern. I know the community will continue to pull together and we will emerge from this stronger."

She said that the school will re-open after half-term, although at this stage it was not possible to say exactly where the children would be accommodated.

"Staff and children will meet at St John's Church at 9am on February 23. Officers from the Local Education Authority and the Diocese will

be arranging for temporary accommodation for each class. It will be business as usual."

Most of the damage appears to have been to the roof, and over half the school is unaffected. However structural engineers will need to carry out more tests before deciding how quickly the building can reopen.

The school, on Atherton Road, has just over 200 pupils on roll.

The cause of the fire has not yet been established, however the incident is being treated as suspicious.

Anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the area or has any information which could assist police with their enquiries is asked to contact the CID at Leigh on 0161 856 7252 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.