DEDICATED teaching staff managed to avert disaster when a school hall flooded over the New Year.

Lead headteacher Margaret Wright praised staff for their efforts in clearing up over one-and-a-half inches of water in the school hall at St Mary and All Saints Church of England Combined School in Maxwell Road, Beaconsfield.

The flooding caused by melting snow left the school's piano unusable but disruption to pupils, who returned to school on Tuesday, was kept to an absolute minimum.

Ms Wright said: "Four members of staff and the caretaker were in the hall last week after the flood sweeping all the water out.

"It has all dried out now and the hall is in full use.

"Our piano filled up with water and is still unusable but we've managed to find another one to use in the hall.

"All the members of staff came in and have worked really hard to get it right."

Ms Wright has taken over as temporary head at the school after the retirement of Sheila Doig at the end of last year.

She has been joined by Colin Le Good, who is the acting head.

Ms Wright added: "I would like to thank one of our governors, Tina Massie, who along with some of the parents has painted my new office."