COOKING lessons ended early this term at the John Masefield High School, after animal droppings and a poorly rat were found in a food storage area.

The rat is believed to have taken poisoned bait left by pest control experts, after droppings were spotted by staff.

The rat turned up after the pet control people had declared the room to be safe, and the school responded to the unexpected presence of the rat by shutting the entire food room permanently. The food room was used for the student's 'food practical' lessons.

A further visit from pest control experts has now taken place.

The school's business manager, Wendy Bradbeer, said the one rat that was found unexpectedly "was dealt with quickly".

The food room was closed for good as part of prompt action by the school, and all food practicals for the rest of the term were immediately cancelled.

An email from the school to parents states: "We wish to let you know that vermin were found in a food room. We have isolated the area and are taking the necessary steps to deal with the matter.

Mrs Bradbeer added: "We found animal droppings in a food storage area and called in pest control. They put down appropriate bait and confirmed the area was safe to continue using.

"One rat, clearly under the influence of the bait, found its way into the food room where it was dealt with quickly. We have closed the room permanently now and have had a further visit from pest control."

The room, in fact, will never been used by staff or students again; but that is not entirely down to the discovery of rats.

Mrs Bradbeer said: "Work starts on Saturday (July 22) demolishing the room in preparation for our new facility which opens in September and we look forward to inviting guests to view the new area in the autumn term."

An email to parents states: "We are delighted to let you know that a brand new food room will await the students when they return in September."

This is not the first instance of rats making a nuisance of themselves in the Ledbury area.

In autumn 2015, concerns grew among local residents that the banks of a little stream passing through the New Mills estate were harbouring rats, some of which were entering homes.

Speaking at the time, a Herefordshire Council spokesman said: "Rats are not uncommon in any of our market towns.

"The best course of action would therefore be to identify and remove their food source, and to bait them."