GCSE pupils may be left in the dark next week.

Netherhall School in Maryport has been advised that there will be no power in the school and five other properties on Netherhall Road from 9am to 1pm on Thursday, the day GCSE results come out.

Staff said they will prepare results on Wednesday to ensure that pupils visiting the school will have them on time - even if they receive them in classrooms without lights.

An Electricity North West spokeswoman said: "Our engineers are upgrading the underground cables in the area which will ensure local customers receive the power they need for years to come.

"The planned shutdowns will allow our engineers to safely carry out essential maintenance on both the underground electricity cables and the overhead power lines to help prevent power cuts and ensure customers enjoy a reliable power supply to their homes for years to come."

In a separate planned shutdown, 350 properties in Broughton Moor and Great and Little Broughton are due to be without electricity on Thursday from 9am to 4pm while engineers repair overhead power lines.

The spokesman said: "We have given advance notice to all those affected and we are on hand to help with any concerns customers may have and we have spoken to the local school directly.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this essential work and if any local residents would like further information they can contact us 24/7 on 0800 195 4141 or the new national number 105."