A YORK school has been forced to close early today due to a major power cut.

Archbishop Holgate's School told parents, carers and guardians of its 1,800 students that it was shutting just after midday today.

In a text sent out to alert parents, the school said: "Due to a complete power outage school will unfortunately need to close at 12.10pm."

Parents were asked to contact the school by text if their child was unable to get home safely.

"They will be kept at school until you advise of arrangements."

The message added: "The A41, A42, ARCO1 and 748 will be leaving early."

The school - which has just been rated 'outstanding' in all areas in its latest Ofsted inspection - contacted Northern Powergrid for a site visit, and asked the energy provider "to act with urgency".

Parents have now been informed that Northern Powergrid has resolved the issue, and students will be able to return to school tomorrow, Tuesday.

A school spokesman said it was not yet known what had caused the outage.