CHILDREN have been sent home after mice infested part of a school.

School is out for 152 youngsters at Linthorpe Infants, Middlesbrough, until Monday, allowing pest controllers time to move in.

The nursery and two reception classes - areas of the school reported to have severe problems - have been closed, but the rest of the 291-pupil school remains open.

Middlesbrough Council said the infestation spread from a nearby, empty house.

The problem started in January and has got worse.

A spokesman for Middlesbrough Council said last night: "Early this year, a building near the school became empty and it is believed this is the source of the mice problem.

"In some areas of the school the problem has been severe, so the headteacher decided parts of the school have to close while the mice are dealt with, and hopefully sorted out.

"Mice can get in and can cause problems in any building. There is no reflection of the cleanliness of the school or its hygiene procedures.

"Basically, the advice we have is there is a slight (health) risk with mice, which we do not want to take.

"There is a minimal risk in those areas where the problem has been severe. The headteacher does not want to take any risk and just wants to be extra-careful.

"We hope things will be back to normal by Monday."