Emergency services were called to Crookhill Primary School in Ryton, near Gateshead, after pupils complained of feeling sick and dizzy.

Ambulances and mini-buses were then used to transfer 25 children and one teacher to three hospitals.

The school is closed for a Health and Safety Executive investigation.

The children are being treated at South Tyneside District Hospital, Newcastle General and the Queen Elizabeth in Gateshead.

Parents informed

Crookhill Primary School head teacher Louise Easton said: "We became aware of a problem at approximately 11.30 this morning and immediately evacuated the classroom and alerted emergency services, as our main concern was to ensure the health and safety of all pupils and staff.

"A number of children and their teacher from one class felt ill and were taken to hospital as a precautionary measure.

"We evacuated the premises at approximately 12 noon on the advice of the fire brigade.

"Parents of all children have been and are being informed, and school has been closed. It will also remain closed tomorrow."

Malcolm Downs, a parent of a child at the school, said: "There were some children in a distressed state but we were more upset that we did not know what was going on.

"My daughter got a bit upset when she heard one of her friends had been involved."

Mr Downs runs a shop opposite the school and said he became aware of the incident when he returned to the premises and spotted an ambulance and fire engine.