Schoolchildren were sent home yesterday after teachers wrongly thought there was a power cut.

A simple blown fuse was the likely cause of the lights and heating failing at Edward Feild Primary School in Bicester Road, Kidlington.

After teachers turned about 300 pupils away at the gate, Southern Electric staff were called in.

Headteacher John Hawkins, who decided to close the school for the day, said: "It seems to be a problem with the school's alarm system.

The school re-opened today.