CHILDREN from a Ryedale primary school were sent home yesterday after a burst pipe flooded part of their school.

Pupils at St Joseph's School, in Pickering, have been told they may not have to return until Monday when the pipe is fixed.

None of the classrooms were hit in the flood but teachers evacuated children after the ceiling in the main boiler house collapsed.

A spokesman from North Yorkshire County Council education authority said the leaking pipe came from the boiler room.

"The pipe burst and this has then caused the roof in the boiler house to fall in on itself," he said.

"It was felt it was important on the grounds of safety to get the children out of the building.

"The repairs will be carried out today and tomorrow and possibly over the weekend, the children should be able to return to school on Monday."

Updated: 09:31 Thursday, March 14, 2002