FLOOD waters caused more than £1 million worth of damage to six primary schools in Herefordshire.

The torrential rains on Friday, the last day of term, left a trail of destruction in classrooms across the county.

One of the worst affected was Holmer Junior School in Hereford.

A total of 10 classrooms took the force of the flood and the repair bill is put at least £400,000.

Staff at the school, which has 300 pupils, have been praised for their swift action in responding to the dangers.

Children were sent home early and, as the water started to rise, teachers and other staff took the precaution of moving everything they could to a higher level. Most of the books and other equipment have been saved.

Up to 75% of the school building has been affected and the playgrounds, too, have suffered.

Herefordshire Council began a clean up operation at the weekend, pumping out water and installing humidifiers to help dry out the school.

Staff returned to help with the clear-up and have been there again this week to prepare the building ready for contractors to start repair work.

It is hoped the school will be ready for the new school year which starts in September.

The village school at Bosbury also took a severe beating in the floods, with most of the rooms affected.

Other schools damaged by water, but to a lesser degree, are at Almeley, Colwall, Ledbury Primary and Ivington.

It is understood the cost of repairs will be covered by insurance.