A teacher has pleaded not guilty to starting a fire at her own Bradford primary school.

Amina Ditta, 23, was charged with arson after an incident at the Atlas Primary School in Lincoln Close, Manningham, on April 24.

Ditta, of Scholemoor Road, Scholemoor, Bradford, is alleged to have damaged by fire a Portakabin belonging to the city's education authority.

She entered a not guilty plea to the arson charge when she made her first appearance before the Bradford Crown Court yesterday and a trial date was fixed for January 22.

Ditta's barrister, John Sleightholme told Judge Geoffrey Kamil that the date for trial did cause some concern because of the importance of the case to his client, but the judge said it was the first date when the court could accommodate a two-day fixture. Mr Sleightholme had indicated that the defence may be calling an expert to give evidence, but it was decided that if no expert was required it might be possible to list the case for trial earlier.

Ditta and her conditional bail were extended on the same terms as before.