A PRIMARY school skiing trip has been cancelled 36 hours before pupils were due to fly because of fears over the coronavirus.

Lanchester EP Primary School should be heading to the French Alps on Saturday morning but the holiday has been cancelled following Government advice.

On Thursday, after an emergency Cobra committee meeting about the global health crisis, Prime Minister Boris Johnson strongly advised schools against foreign travel.

Headteacher Jane Davis: “The children are massively disappointed, obviously with it being so close.

“Our flight was due to leave at 7.30am on Saturday. We are all packed. Some of them do not really understand why they cannot go. They are gutted.”

The group of 26, including 16 children, seven parents and three teachers, was due to fly to Geneva from Newcastle before heading on to Les Menuires.

The trip has cost families £1,000 and many have spent money on ski clothing and equipment.

Mrs Davis added: “We have had fabulous trips in the past but it was not to be this year.

“It is all paid for and we still do not know if that will be refunded.

“But we have to follow Government guidelines. We have got no option.”

On Friday, to mark Sport Relief, youngsters were allowed to come into school in their 2020 Les Menuires Red Ski Hoodies and now Mrs Davis is hoping to take the children on a trip to a UK snow dome facility.

Pupils have been learning about the coronavirus in school, especially about the importance of handwashing.

There are currently no school closure plans but if that advice is given Mrs Davis is looking at ways to ensure children can continue to learn at home online.

The school has also had to cancel a trip to Denmark this weekend for a conference funded by the British Council with other students from Denmark, Poland, Spain and Sweden.

Meanwhile, Darlington College has confirmed that it has cancelled a trip to New York.

A spokesman for the college said: “We have taken on board Government advice regarding school trips for under 16s and have taken the decision to cancel a forthcoming trip to New York. Students have been notified.”