A council's quick response in making alternative arrangements after a school fire has been praised by the Prime Minister.

Braintree MP Brooks Newmark raised the John Ray Infants School fire as an issue during Wednesday’s Prime Minister’s Questions in Parliament.

Mr Newmark asked David Cameron to join him in thanking Essex County Council (ECC) for its quick work in making arrangements.

Mr Cameron said: “I certainly join my honourable friend in praising his county council.

“That does sound like a tragic event, and it comes on top of the fact that, as everyone knows, we need to provide more primary school places.

“I commend the council for its quick action.”