A headteacher had to cancel lessons today after an electricity meter caught fire.

Sparks and smoke were seen coming from a cupboard on an outside wall at St Michael's School, Braintree, at about 1.40pm yesterday.

Firefighters were called in and the school was evacuated. No-one was injured.

The small blaze was traced to the main electricity supply room. The electricity board was advised, workers attended and shut off power to the school in Maple Avenue.

A spokesman for Essex County Council said: "The school contacted us immediately and we offered advice as to what to do and instructed a surveyor on an emergency basis. We hope the school will reopen as soon as possible."

Announcements were made on the radio to tell parents not to send their children in.

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Published Tuesday, January 11, 2005

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