MUSIC students were forced to sit exams in an ice-cold room.

The examiner conducting the tests in Huddersfield kept his coat on and portable heaters were rushed to the hall to try and help.

Now, Kirklees Music School staff have promised that the problems will not be repeated.

Details of the cold conditions for students and examiners have been revealed to the Examiner.

A piano teacher who escorted two cornet players to Danceology, in Old Leeds Road, to sit their Royal Schools of Music exam, said the facilities were appalling.

"The temperature was below zero, the examiner was wearing outdoor clothing and had a hot water bottle," said David Bintley, of Honley. "The waiting area was woefully inadequate. The practice room was similar and the acoustics of the exam room were reminiscent of a railway tunnel.

"Why could not Huddersfield use one of the numerous council owned buildings for the exams?" he asked.

Mr Thom Meredith, the music school's acting principal, said they did everything they could to help with the smooth running of the exams.

In previous years the school held Associated Board and Trinity College music exams on its own premises in New Street.

"Unfortunately, as we are temporarily without accommodation, we had to arrange for the service to our parents to take place at an alternative venue," said Mr Meredith.

"Because the Associated Board are only able to give a small amount financially (£60 per day) to help with room hire, we had to opt for an inexpensive venue which nevertheless, we felt, would be able to meet requirements."

Mr Meredith said a list of council properties they looked at cost between £100 and £170 a day.

He said there was an issue with the heating and the owners of the venue had repeatedly said it would be sorted out.

Mr Meredith said the temperature was never anywhere near zero.

"We moved all the heaters we could find in the music school offices and set them up for the exam candidates and the examiner," he said.

"At one stage we even set out the music school offices as a makeshift exam centre, in case the examiner told us he felt it was too cold to continue."

Mr Meredith denied that the acoustics were poor. He said the warm-up area was soundproofed and that some double doors, which would have formed extra soundproofing, were removed after the school approved the venue.

"There were issues which we were powerless to predict, but hopefully, if the school finds alternative accommodation, we will be able to offer a venue over which we have greater control," he added.