Secondary school pupils were sent home early after a power cut plunged classrooms into darkness.

The lights went out at The Gilberd School in Highwoods, Colchester, at 12.30pm today.

The black out was caused by a problem with the mains unit.

Most of the schools 1362 pupils and 115 staff left the site by 1.30pm - the remainder followed shortly after.

A school spokesman said: “Everyone was sent home in good time.

“They all had to go for health and safety reasons as we had limited battery back up.”

Power was restored to the school by 3.15pm.

It was due to reopen as normal tomorrow.