Schoolchildren and college students in Hitchin and north Herts are set to remain at home until at least March following Prime Minister Boris Johnson's announcement earlier today, Wednesday.

The PM revealed the news while delivering a Covid update to the House of Commons, a day after official figures confirmed more than 100,000 people have now died with the virus in the UK.

Johnson announced 'it will not be possible' to reopen schools in England after the half-term break in mid February, adding: "We truly did everything we could, and continue to do everything that we can, to minimise loss of life and to minimise suffering."

The government said a final decision would depend on meeting vaccination targets and schools would get two weeks' notice - but it was now anticipated that learning establishments would not open their doors for young people, other than those who are vulnerable or children of key workers, until Monday, March 8, at the very earliest.

It would be 'frustrating' for pupils, teachers and parents, he acknowledged.