Two high schools in Longridge are being forced to close early due to the continued smoke from a major fire in the town.

Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses packing plant and offices caught fire on Monday evening and thick smoke has swamped Longridge since.

Longridge High School and St Cecilia’s Roman Catholic High School both opened during Wednesday morning after being closed on Tuesday.

Read more: Aftermath of the fire at Butlers Farmhouses Cheeses in Longridge

However due to issues with smoke pollution in classrooms and on school grounds, as well as traffic disruption in Preston Road due to Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service still remaining on site at the Shay Lane industrial estate, the decision has been taken to finish early.

Both schools are finishing around 1pm with school buses put on earlier for those who usually attend via bus.

Parents are encouraged to contact the schools if they have childcare issues and in some instances children will be able to stay at school until 3pm on Wednesday.

Read more: Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses thanks community and crews after serious fire in Longridge

The fire service are continuing to dampen down the fire which tore through the building on Monday evening.

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