BLACKBURN College has announced it will close today - but exams on Friday will still take place.

Dr Fazal Dad, principal and chief executive of the college, said the college will close today at 5pm.

However exams which are set to take place tomorrow will still go ahead.

Within a statement on the college's website, Dr Dad said: "Due the government’s latest announcement on Wednesday, March 18, we will be closing to students from 5pm on Thursday March 19.

"However, if you have an exam scheduled on Friday, you should still attend your scheduled examination.

"We will be switching to home/online learning for all of our courses until further notice.

"We hope to be able to resume normal college operations as soon as possible.

"However, this is a changing situation and I ask for your patience at this time.

"Until we are able to confirm otherwise, students are no longer required to attend classes or work placements.

"For each of the courses that you are studying, you will be supported online.

"Your tutors have been preparing materials to support your learning through Moodle and online resources.

"Although the coronavirus has meant we have had to suspend classes, Blackburn College remains committed to your learning and will continue to support you."