A north Cumbrian primary school has had to shut its doors after a positive Covid-19 test.

The positive test at Caldew Lea Primary School has affected the schools catering operation and the ability to feed the children.

The school closed on June 24 so that a deep clean of the kitchen could be carried out and contingency catering arrangements could be made.

Operations Director at Cumbria Education Trust, Nick Polmear, said: “Caldew Lea Primary School has unfortunately been forced to close on a short-term basis today due to a positive test for Covid-19, which affected our catering operation and the ability to feed the children.

“As soon as we were made aware we sought advice from Public Health England. We decided as a precautionary measure that it was necessary for us to close.

“It’s not action we take lightly and appreciate the difficulties it causes some families, but safety of all is our number one concern.

“We are in direct contact with our families and thank everyone for their support and understanding.”

On social media, the school said it was "extremely sorry that this happened at short notice."

It continued: "please be assured that we responded to events as soon as we were made aware of them and have acted fully on public health advice.

"We believe that we will be able to open tomorrow as normal, however catering arrangements will be altered for the next week.

"We will provide packed lunches in school for all children entitled to benefits related Free School Meals.

"All other children who currently purchase a school dinner will need to bring a packed lunch to school. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

"Thank you for your understanding."