Lees Primary School is closed today after a classroom and kitchen flooded.

Rain poured through the ceiling causing thousands of pounds’ damage to equipment, books and work.

The water came through a hole caused by the theft of lead from the roof over the weekend.

Staff today feared the ceiling above the reception class would have to be removed.

Head teacher Gill Holland said the school would remain closed tomorrow.

She said the school Christmas fair, planned for this Saturday from 10am-1pm, will still go ahead.

Mrs Holland said she closed the school this morning due to fears over the safety of the electrics.

Experts are currently assessing the safety of the school.

Mrs Holland added: "The caretaker came in early this morning and found water torrenting in the reception class.

"Someone has taken a tiny bit of lead worth £30 from the roof and that has caused thousands of pounds of damage.

"All the children's resources and years of the teachers’ work have been ruined.

"It's devastating for the school. We have an open day to welcome prospective parents this week and the school fair is this Saturday."

The toll of destruction includes many young children's picture books, students' work and teaching resources including costumes that were stored in the cellar beneath.