A TEENAGER was accused of arson at a North-East school, at Teesside Crown Court yesterday.

The youngster, who cannot be named, is alleged to have set fire to West Park Primary School, Hartlepool, on October 26 last year.

Another teenager, who also cannot be named, is also accused of the crime, and has already admitted arson, the court heard.

The court was told how a group of young men had met at around 7pm, before three of them made their way to a hut at the school, where the intention was for them to share a cigarette.

One of the men said in evidence he heard the other two rummaging around in the hut before they came out. Then he saw smoke and all three ran off.

The court heard how the three made up a story of how they had been walking past the school and saw the smoke.

The charge of arson is denied by the first youngster.

The trial continues.