PRIMARY school pupils were involved in a drama yesterday in the middle of a picnic to celebrate The Queen’s 90th birthday.

New Marske Primary School, near Redcar, organised the picnic outdoors but had to move indoors when it started pouring with rain.

Then, just as the picnic was being served to hundreds of pupils, parents and staff, the fire alarm went off and the school had to be evacuated.

Everyone had to stand out in the rain for almost half an hour as fire engines arrived and crews checked the building before declaring a false alarm.

The Northern Echo:

Guests at the picnic included Redcar MP Anna Turley, who said: “These things happen but it’s fantastic to see the children marking such a special occasion like this.”

Headteacher John Dooris said: “The rain and then the fire alarm were unfortunate but everyone responded brilliantly.”