BUILDERS working on a school were exposed to asbestos, a court heard yesterday.

Durham County Council denied it breached health and safety regulations, at Bishop Auckland Magistrates' Court.

Builders working on a science block at Wolsingham School and Community College, County Dur-ham, were said to have been exposed to asbestos.

Bruno Porter, of the Health and Safety Executive, prosecuting, said refurbishment was being carried out at the school in September 1999 when the asbestos was found.

But defence solicitor Terry Fenwick said no children or staff came into contact with it.

If found guilty, the council could face a penalty of up to £20,000. The case was adjourned for a pre-trial review on October 22.