An Aberdeenshire school has been forced to close after a lightning strike damaged its fire alarm.

Peterhead Academy will remain closed to pupils and staff on Friday, August 19, while work continues to replace the faulty alarm.

The building was struck by lighting last month during the school holidays when the area was battered with violent storms which swept across the country.

The school has more than 1100 pupils and 90 staff on its roll.

A spokesperson for Aberdeenshire Council said: "There was hope that the fault could be fixed today but a completely new panel is required.

"A new panel will be fitted tomorrow but it would be unsafe to allow pupils and staff to be in the building while the fire alarm is not operational.

"We apologise for the inconvenience caused but safety of pupils and staff has to be our top priority. Pupils and staff should refer to school closure website and Peterhead Academy social media for updates."