CHILDREN at Roding Primary returned to school on Monday after having a day off because of a power cut.

Teachers had to turn their pupils away on Friday when they arrived for class at the Woodford Bridge school.

Five classes had been sent home the day before because there was no electricity in their classrooms.

The problem was caused by a short circuit in the electricity supply on Roding Road which has since been repaired.

Headteacher Hazel Honey said: "Parents were understanding. We had to close.

"There was no heating. We cannot have children working when it is cold.

"We didn't know if the kitchen was going to have electricity either."