PUPILS were told to stay at home today as a mopping-up operation was under way at their flood-hit school.

Security guards patrolling Moorland High School, Darwen, while it was closed over the festive period raised the alarm when they noticed water gushing through the doors.

Headteacher Richard Bridges arrived at the Holden Fold school to be greeted by the sight of a collapsed ceiling and water rushing down the stairs.

Mr Bridges said: "It was sodden and the whole place was a bit of a mess.

"Apparently the water tank in the roof has flooded and water has affected rooms both upstairs and downstairs and has come through the ceiling.

"It's not the happy start you want to the New Year."

The flood was caused in the humanities block, which is the newest in the school and also houses the library. It was built four years ago.

A Blackburn with Darwen Council spokesman said all the books in the library were saved but classes would have to be rescheduled to avoid the block.

He said: "Industrial cleaners have been in and it should take about two weeks to get ready again.

"The books in the library were spared but the carpets were sodden.

"Loss adjusters have been in but we cannot put a cost on the damage yet."

Mr Bridges said the incident would keep children off school today although all staff are in.

Pupils are expected to restart after the New Year break tomorrow.

He said: "There is a large clean-up operation to be done but children can come back on Friday."

PICTURE: Headteacher Richard Bridges in the room where water came through the ceiling