A West Cumbrian school was forced to close today after a gas leak.

Pupils were sent home from Ashfield Infant and Nursery School in Newlands Lane, Workington, around 10.45am because of the small leak in the school's internal gas system.

It is expected to reopen tomorrow.

Headteacher Rachel Field said the leak was discovered before school started this morning and the boiler isolated.

Children were kept in the playground when they arrived until gas engineers confirmed the building was safe to use.

They were able to go inside by 9.15am but the gas supply had to remain off, leaving the school without heating or cooking facilities. This prompted the closure.

Repairs are now nearing completion and Mrs Field said it was anticipated the school, which has 199 pupils, would be able to reopen tomorrow.

She added that parents would be contacted if the situation changed.

Mrs Field said: "We were very proud of the children and how sensible they were, the staff were exemplary in the way they looked after them and we have had good support from parents.

"We are optimistic that we should be able to reopen tomorrow."