Rat-infested school remains shut

A Derbyshire school will remain closed until after the half-term break because of a rat infestation.

The rodents were discovered in a store cupboard at the Parkside County Junior School in Ashbourne on Thursday.

Pest control workers were called in and advised staff to close the school during the disinfection work.

It is believed the rats entered the building through a fractured drain following heavy rainfall and flooding in local sewers.

Classroom and kitchen areas were not affected.

The school will reopen on 6 June after repair and disinfection work is completed.

Headteacher Sally Jones said parents can keep up to date with developments on the school's website.