SHIPTON Bellinger Primary School has allayed parents' fears after sending out a newsletter discussing emergency plans for a terrorist attack exercise.

Concerned families contacted the Andover Advertiser after receiving the advice, which said the village should be prepared in case an exercise simulating a terrorist attack takes place.

The school said the information had come from the Andover Emergency Committee, which stated if the exercise happened, Andover would be sealed off for 24 hours and some parents may be unable to collect their children.

The newsletter then outlined the school's plans, which included a 'mass sleepover' for those children who had no alternative arrangements.

Extensive inquiries failed to track down the committee and the school now says an exercise is not on the cards.

Headteacher Derek Atkinson said: "After the recent floods I was asked to help in the preparation of a village response for the Andover Emergency Committee, covering floods and other emergencies in which children could not get home.

"I wrote to parents asking for details of their childminders, friends or relatives who could take care of the children during an emergency.

"Emergency committees throughout the country are preparing for all eventualities and I am acting to safeguard the children in my care.

"Although we are prone to flooding, the risk of a terrorist attack is negligible and I am advised now that an exercise to simulate such an event is not being contemplated."