A NORTH-EAST school was allowed to reopen yesterday after its second rat scare in recent years.

The 1,060 pupils at Seaham Comprehensive enjoyed a long weekend break after pest controllers were called on Friday.

Rats had been seen in the grounds of the east Durham school, less than two years after a similar problem led to its closure for almost a week.

Environmental health officers carried out checks at the weekend and agreed it was safe to allow children to return.

Headteacher Bob Dingle said the problem may not have been resolved.

He said: "The situation is continuing, but is not serious enough to warrant the school's closure."