Northern Ireland's examinations and assessment body has confirmed that a parcel of unmarked A-level geography papers was lost in Londonderry.

The Northern Ireland Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) said that the papers were lost by the carrier Parcel Force, while en route to a marker.

The CCEA said 40 pupils from four schools were affected - 10 pupils from each.

The papers were worth about 15% of the pupils' overall marks.

The CCEA said they had explained the situation to the school principals and the pupils affected and that they had taken all possible steps to ensure that the pupils got the correct A-level grades.

Thirty of the pupils affected were in upper sixth year, while the others were lower sixth pupils who were sitting the same module.

Parcel Force said they have apologised fully and will be carrying out a full and thorough investigation into the matter.

They also said they will take whatever steps necessary to ensure that it did not happen again.