Almost all children have secured a place at one of their preferred primary schools.

Figures released by Essex County Council revealed 86.79 per cent of children in the district have been offered their first choice school.

But an unlucky 3.51 per cent of parents could not be offered any of their preferences and have been offered a place at the nearest school with space available.

Powers Hall Infant School headteacher Claire Edwards said she is aware that reception classes in Witham are full this year for September intake.

Read this week's Times for the full story.