A BURST heating pipe gave 900 children the day off school on Friday - but the headteacher said the drama graphically illustrated the need for more investment.

Stourport High School was forced to close for the day after a major pipe sprung three leaks on Thursday afternoon and started draining the heating system.

Pupils were told by radio, television and text message to stay at home after half the school was put out of bounds as corridors were dug up to repair the pipe.

Headteacher Liz Quinn said it was the danger posed by pneumatic drills on site - rather than the lack of heating - which meant the school had to shut.

And she added this was not an isolated incident.

"I think the worrying thing about it is two years ago we had the whole playground dug up because the same pipe burst. We managed not to close the school then.

"At the time I urged the county council to replace the pipe."

Ms Quinn added only half the pipe was renewed.

Worcestershire County Council is planning a once-in-a-generation shake-up of Wyre Forest schools and a spokesman said the majority of the £80 million spent will be capital investment in buildings.