TWO 14-year-old boys have been arrested on suspicion of arson following a fire at a North-East school.

The teenagers, who are from Middleton St George, near Darlington, were arrested on Friday night and have been released on police bail until March 24.

The boys have been questioned over the fire at Middleton St George Primary School on February 26.

The blaze ripped through the building causing extensive damage to two classrooms and the roof.

Darlington Borough Council has worked alongside a team of loss adjusters to examine how much of the school can be salvaged.

A council spokeswoman said last night: "Work is being carried out to ensure the building is safe.

"We are removing ceilings that have been damaged by water and fire and removing any potentially dangerous brickwork.

"Over the next few days, we hope to start work redecorating in time for the children returning to the school after Easter."

Loss adjusters have estimated that about half of the school can be saved.

In the next three weeks, work will start on installing four temporary classrooms which will be used as a short-term measure.

Children from the school have been moved into the former Firthmoor Primary School, in Darlington, until the building work has been completed.

Acting headteacher Janice Gleeson held a special assembly yesterday to mark the children's arrival at the school.