PUPILS have been warned to stay away from a 'sinkhole' at a local primary school.

Following last week's heavy rainfall, a culvert within the grounds of St Kenneth's RC PS in Ballingry collapsed.

Fife Council has taken steps to secure the area - with a cordon put in place - and remedial works have begun.

Louise Playford, service ,manager. confirmed: “Following heavy rainfall last week, the culvert has been damaged.

"We took immediate action to cordon off the area which was very waterlogged.

“There was no risk to the school community and the school opened as planned last Thursday.

"We’re now working to improve the drainage capacity in the area which will continue to be fenced off until that work is completed.”

The Times understands that measures were promptly taken by the school to ensure the safety of its pupils.

During an assembly, water safety was emphasised and children were told to stay away from the area both during school hours and in the evenings.

The school's headteacher, Kirsty O'Connor, is also understood to have issued reminders to parents so that the whole school community was aware of the issue.