An Oldham school has closed its doors today due to the weather warnings issued by weather services.

Hulme Grammar School, based on Chamber Road, Oldham, announced yesterday evening that it would not be opening its doors, with principal Tony Oulton saying the weather posed a risk to the journeys people faced both into school and home.

Mr Oulton said in a statement shared on the school's Facebook page: "As many of you will know, a severe weather warning is in place for tomorrow, Thursday 8 February, with it being forecast to snow heavily from morning until around teatime.

"No weather forecast is certain, of course, but indications are that snow will begin to fall from 7am, become heavy around 10am, and remain so until late afternoon.

"Certainties are currently calculated at over 80 per cent and, at times, 90 per cent, which means it is highly likely that there will be significant snowfall that could cause disruption.

"This, in turn, means that there could be potential risk to people’s journeys to school and, at the end of the day, their homeward journeys.

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"No forecast is certain, of course, but taking into consideration the latest forecasts on a number of platforms, including the Met Office, I have decided to close School for the day on Thursday 8 February.

"I am fully aware that not everyone will agree with this decision and, of course, there is a risk that the weather that is forecast for tomorrow will not materialise. However, my overarching priority in announcing this now to provide clarity to parents and staff and, hopefully, to minimise the anxiety that can arise from uncertainty in situations like this. I hope that the early notice of this School closure will enable those parents who need to to put in place childcare arrangements."

Mr Oulton said the school is scheduled to reopen as normal tomorrow (Friday, February 9).