CHILDREN'S lives were put in danger when a manhole cover was stolen from a Darlington school on Thursday.

The removal of a full-sized cover exposed a 4ft drop on a main route into St Augustine's RC Primary School, which has about 250 pupils.

A rise in the price of scrap metal has encouraged thefts of metal across the North-East, but the latest robbery has opened a new concern.

Councillor Joe Lyonette told The Northern Echo: "The theft outside the school could have endangered a child's life - it is only a matter of time before someone gets seriously hurt."

The manhole near the school is one of more than 100 targeted in the borough since April.

Even though the covers cost between £100 and £300 to replace, thieves receive little more than £4 from the scrap metal merchants who accept the stolen goods.

Coun Lyonette said: "Some scrap yards are obviously still accepting the covers - if they pay for them, thieves will continue to steal them.

"We urge people to be aware, to be vigilant and ring the police or the council if they see anyone stealing manhole covers."

The police are also appealing for help in combating the spate of thefts.

Insp Gordon Scott said: "We have received positive feedback in relation to the theft of lead in the area, and would now ask people to inform the police if they see individuals who are not employed by the council removing manhole covers.

"Work has been done with scrap metal merchants with a view to ensuring these items are not bought from thieves."

Anyone with information is asked to call the police on 01913- 833491 and the council on 01325- 388799.