THE new term is expected to start as normal next week for children at Broad Oak Primary School, Pope Lane, Penwortham, near Preston despite a fire damaging the building.

The fire, which broke out on Sunday afternoon, August 26, also damaged the school's roof although, thanks to rapid action from firefighters, classrooms containing expensive computer equipment and an art store room filled with combustible substances were saved.

Firefighters removed part of the roof to keep the flames confined to the £30,000 extension, which was built two years ago and used as a cloakroom for the juniors.

After talks with the fire service, education chiefs have confirmed the building is safe for the youngsters to return to the classroom on Monday. A Lancashire County Council spokesman said: "The fire has not done as much damage as was first thought. We are still awaiting details on how the fire started."

He added: "Thanks to the design of the school and the rapid response of the fire service the school will be open as usual after the summer holidays."

Steve Wilson, assistant divisional officer for Lancashire Fire and Rescue, added: "I am reluctant to say what or who caused the fire.

"We suspect that it was arson but we are not 100 per cent sure. Until the police find a culprit I would hate to make assumptions and put the blame on youngsters."

The fire at Broad Oak Primary follows a blaze at Brindle Gregson Lane Primary School, Hoghton, near Preston three months ago, who completely destroyed the building.