A North East school has partly closed to pupils after high winds caused by Storm Pia on Thursday (December 21). 

Egglescliffe School announced on Thursday that pupils in years 12 and 13 wouldn't be at the school on Thursday or Friday, due to the high winds. 

The school, which is based on Urlay Nook Rd, also noted that the demolition of a building near the sixth form school was a factor in deciding to close some of the school off to certain year groups.

A statement from the school read: "Egglescliffe School will be closed to Year 12 and 13 students today and tomorrow (Thursday, 21 and Friday, 22 December) for safety reasons due to high winds and the demolition of a building near the sixth form."

The decision from the school comes as Winds of more than 80mph battered the northern half parts of the UK as Storm Pia threatened to bring chaos to pre-Christmas travel plans.

The Met Office issued a yellow warning for wind, stretching north from Birmingham to the Shetland Islands and including Northern Ireland, remaining in place until 3pm on Thursday.

That had been brought forward from 9pm as the Met Office said the worst of the wind was expected to be in the morning, with conditions slowly easing.

The yellow warning means journeys could be disrupted, there was the potential for power cuts and coastal routes could be affected by waves or spray.

Alongside the part closure of the school, several tourist attractions have been closed on Thursday, including High Force in County Durham and Ormesby Hall in Teesside. 

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A spokesperson for Ormesby Hall said: "Due to the current high winds and local weather warnings, Ormesby Hall will be closed today for safety reasons.

"Our top priority is the safety of our visitors, volunteers and staff, the whole Ormesby team wishes you a Merry Christmas and we look forward to seeing you when we reopen on 10th February 2024."

A spokesperson for High Force added: "Please note High Force Waterfall will be closed today (Thursday, 21st December due to the high winds.

"Thank you for your cooperation."