A remote Moray primary school is to be temporarily closed after soil tests showed higher than average levels of a gas which can cause cancer.

Cabrach Primary School's four pupils will be transferred to Mortlach Primary in Dufftown after radon was detected by the Health Protection Agency (HPA).

Work to vent the gas, which occurs naturally in rocks and soil, will begin after the Easter holidays.

A Moray Council spokesman said radon levels had varied from one part of the school to another and the lowest readings were recorded in the classroom areas.

He said: "We are working closely with the Health Protection Agency and the Health and Safety Executive with a view to carrying out remediation work and we will be taking their advice on how that is best achieved.

"The council is not prepared to leave the health and safety of its staff and pupils to chance and the position was discussed with parents and staff as soon as the data from the radon tests was analysed."

Other schools in the Speyside area were tested by the HPA but levels were found to be normal.

Once work gets under way the venting is likely to take a number of weeks.

Further information on radon is available on the HPA website.

Cabrach Primary was once dubbed the most expensive school in Scotland when it was kept open with just two pupils.