Staff at a York school fear decrepit temporary buildings that are reaching the end of their working lives could be to blame for a rat scare.

Teachers at Fulford School suspect rodents could be hiding in the cracks and crevices of ageing buildings at their Heslington Road site.

Environmental health officers from City of York Council were brought in to inspect the premises after a rat was spotted by staff.

Teachers and students have since been asked to make sure they throw away food and other waste properly in bins and sealed containers.

Kitchen staff at the school have also been reminded about disposal of rubbish and securing food sources as well as being given routine pest control advice.

Head teacher Stephen Smith has introduced extra food hygiene measures on top of a routine daily litter sweep around the school's extensive grounds.

Speaking on behalf of Mr Smith, a spokesman for City of York Council confirmed that council officers had investigated a suspected rodent problem at the school but said there was no evidence of an "infestation".

He said: "The school is surrounded by fields so it is not surprising that rats will be spotted from time to time, but steps can be taken to prevent them from venturing into the school grounds."

He added: "The school is also hopeful that the new buildings, replacing mobile classrooms, will reduce any places of shelter for rats."

Plans to replace the temporary classrooms as part of a £3 million scheme at the school with a two-storey 14 classroom permanent extension were given the go-ahead by planners last month.

Speaking in the Evening Press in January, head teacher Stephen Smith said work on the project could begin at the beginning of the summer holidays in mid-July.

Updated: 11:13 Thursday, February 27, 2003