Angry parents have raised fears after their children's school was forced to close for two days due to asbestos problems.

It comes as Copeland's MP Trudy Harrison has called for Whitehaven Academy to be demolished and rebuilt - and students to move to temporary classrooms on site until work is completed.

Health and safety concerns were raised when the academy shut on Tuesday and Wednesday, following a routine survey in which a disturbance of asbestos was found.

The school is open today for students in Years 10 to 14 only.

Asbestos surveys have been carried out this week at the Bright Tribe Trust-run school.

A Bright Tribe spokesperson said: "The results of airborne testing show that all areas surveyed are safe under UK HSE legislation. The survey is progressing at pace however, due to the size of the academy site it is necessary to remain closed on Wednesday."

Julie Rayson, of Whitehaven Academy Action Group, said she has received many calls from concerned parents. She is questioning why the routine survey was carried out during the school term - while key exams were taking place - instead of the Easter holidays.

She said the school's management have known for a while that asbestos was present on site - it has not just been brought to light.

"A lot of parents are torn because they don't want to keep their children off school, but they want it to be safe," she said. "We now have parents concerned whether their children have been exposed to anything."

One mother, who does not wish to be named, said she feels "angry and worried".

"We certainly don't want the children to be going back until it's safe," she said. "I've contacted the Regional School's Commissioner to ask what contingency plan is being put in place but I've not received a response yet."

Mrs Harrison said although the outcomes of the HSE tests have been revealed she is not convinced the buildings are healthy, safe or suitable for a teaching environment.

"Students undertaking their exams now and over coming weeks must be accommodated in suitable classrooms as a priority," she said.

"I feel the only sensible solution is to relocate those students immediately and commission temporary classrooms on site as a priority whilst Whitehaven Academy is demolished and rebuilt."