EMERGENCY services have been thanked for their swift work in tackling a major fire at a school in Clayton.

Firefighters from seven stations were sent out to Jaamiatul Imaam Muhammad Zakaria, an Islamic boarding school for girls, around 8.16am.

Clouds of smoke could be seen billowing into the sky and, at its height, the fire covered 80 per cent of the building.

Now the school has issued a statement, expressing its "appreciation" to fire crews and other authorities.

The school said: "A fire broke out in one of the buildings at Jaamiatul Imaam Muhammad Zakaria (Islamic College, Clayton Bradford) in the morning hours.

"The School was closed due to the current lockdown restrictions, hence fortunately no students or staff were on site other than security staff and there were no fatalities or injuries.

"At this stage we would like to extend our appreciation to the fire & emergency services and other authorities who responded immediately to control the fire.

"We would also like to extend our appreciation to our neighbours, parents and other well-wishers for their kind words of support during this difficult time."