More than 30 pupils were taken to hospital

The fire service was called to Belper School on Wednesday afternoon when a lab technician spilt some solid iodine.

Pupils who complained of throat irritation were taken by coach to five hospitals for treatment.

The technician suffered a chemical burn to his arm and one pupil was treated for minor burns.

Science block

Carl Keeble of East Midlands Ambulance Service said 38 pupils were treated at the scene and 36 were sent to hospital.

"Nobody is in a life-threatening situation," he said.

Head teacher Trevor Harding said: "It was a spillage of iodine in the corridor near our science block.

"We are relieved that no-one was seriously injured."

Staff at the 1,400-pupil secondary school say lessons will resume as normal on Thursday.