All schools in Verwood and around Dorset have been advised to close on Friday 18th February due to the expected severity of Storm Eunice.

The closure affects Hillside, Trinity and Verwood First Schools, along with Emmanuel Middle School.

Ferndown Upper School and Queen Elizabeth’s School in Wimborne will also be closed.

Dorset Council has advised all schools to close in correspondence on Thursday afternoon, saying the decision has not been taken lightly and has been made in the interests of protecting children and school staff.

Remote learning will be made available in most cases.

And due to half term, pupils will not return till Monday 28th February.

Schools across the UK and Ireland in affected areas are also closing due to the incoming expected severe weather.