AN electrical fault is believed to have been the cause of a fire at De La Salle School in the early hours of Saturday morning (August 30).

The fire at the school in Eccleston started in the stairwell near the science block and caused smoke damage to the ground floor classrooms.

As a result, pupils' summer holidays were unexpectedly extended as a clean-up operation began.

Pupils were due back on Tuesday, September 2.

Now it is hoped the school can re-open, at least partially, before the end of the week.

Head teacher Will Daunt explained: "We can't let any children into the school before Thursday and then we're only taking about 60 per cent.

"There are health and safety issues to be considered.

"There are cables hanging off the walls and there is smoke dust. We have to deal with these things first.

"The biggest problems are the stairway, hall and landing as these affect the way they come in and out of school".

Mr Daunt could not put a figure on the cost of repairs but admitted it "would not be cheap".

Years 7, 10 and 11 were due to return to school today (Thursday, September 4) with others going back tomorrow.

The school will re-open to all other pupils as soon as possible.

"We hope to have them all back for next week", added Mr Daunt.