Education chiefs have announced that a primary school damaged by the Birmingham tornado will not be ready for pupils to return to at the start of term.
Historic Ladypool Primary School in Sparkbrook was in the path of the devastating whirlwind when it struck the city last month.
A 100ft tower at the Grade II-listed building was blown over and came crashing through the roof into the main hall below causing extensive damage.
The devastation was all the more heartbreaking as the 120-year-old school had only just spent £250,000 getting a new roof fitted.
Birmingham Cityam City Council vowed to get the school on Stratford Road repaired in time for the start of the new academic year tomorrow.
But the school's head teacher Alan Tumber has now said it will not open until September 12.
"The city council has performed wonders clearing the damage caused by the tornado, and repairing any structural damage.
"However this meant that planned refurbishments were put on hold, which are now very near completion," he said.
Mr Tumber said the school anticipated the planned closure would have a "minimum impact" on the education of the pupils.
