Children at a Stanford-le-Hope school had to miss two days of lessons after more than £15,000 worth of damage was caused by flooding.

A clear-up is still under way at Arthur Bugler Junior School, St James's Avenue East, after the ballcock on one of the overhead water tanks snapped and caused water to pour through the ceiling.

The school's caretaker discovered the flood when he came in on Monday morning and found that the adminstration area, staffroom and a classroom were all affected as water continued to come flooding through.

Headteacher Wayne Whiskerd<OK> said: "The damage comes to about £15,000 but hopefully that is covered on insurance. When I got to the school on Monday morning, the water was about four inches deep.

"The cleaning contractors have been working hard to clear everything up and we hope it will all be back to normal next week.

"We were very lucky in some aspects as no computers were damaged but things like books, display boards and furniture were ruined.

"We are currently redoing the floors and relaying new carpets." Pupils turning up on Monday morning were turned away but normal classes resumed yesterday (Wednesday.)