An Orpington primary school was forced to close yesterday after nearly all its classrooms were flooded as thunderstorms swept through the area.

Leesons Primary, attended by almost 300 pupils, was badly affected by heavy rain on Tuesday evening (July 20) which saw streets submerged in the downpour.

The majority of classrooms on Leeson Hill, along with the school hall and offices, were flooded, causing significant damage to property.

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A fundraiser set up to cover the cost has already raised more than £1,000.

Organiser Paul Elliott said: “The building repairs will be covered by insurance, but a school is much more than bricks and mortar.

“Thank you so much for helping us hit our initial target of £1,000, obviously the more we raise the more we can do so the Friends of Leesons has increased its target to £1,500.

“Thank you so much for helping us to help the school get back to normal as soon as possible."

The area around nearby St Mary Cray bridge was seen severely flooded, with water levels high enough to block drivers and parts of Cray Avenue also inaccessible.

A yellow weather warning was issued by the Met Office, along with a flood alert due to concerns regarding overflow of River Ravensbourne.

Another warning is in place across south London this weekend, as further heavy thunderstorms are forecast to break up the heatwave.