GCSE examinations came close to being cancelled when a Ramsbottom school suffered a power cut on Tuesday.

Children were sent home from Woodhey High School, Ramsbottom, and 23 other properties were left without power.

For a time there was a real risk that final year students would not be able to sit their business and communication systems exam.

Deputy headteacher Mrs Pam Burrow said: "The power cut put the computers out of action which the pupils needed for the exam. Fortunately we managed to get hold of an emergency generator so they were able to sit the exams. But we still had to inform the exam board about the disruption.

"The other pupils were thrilled to get a day off school especially given the good weather. But at the same time we had to ensure they were safe and told their parents what had happened." The school was back to normal the following the day.

A United Utilities spokeswoman said the fault was due to a piece of equipment on an overhead line.

She said: "The school explained about the exams and we provided the school with an emergency generator.

"The faulty equipment was replaced and power was restored by 5pm."