School pupils have been banned from buying energy drinks because of concerns about the effects they have on behaviour.

Notices from Cardinal Newman Catholic School in The Upper Drive, Hove, have been displayed in shops in the area, including the Tesco Express store in Dyke Road.

The sign, which is printed on the school s headed paper, says: "Cardinal Newman Catholic School has requested that HIGH ENERGY drinks are not sold to C. N. C. S students."

A Tesco worker said staff at the store were not allowed to sell drinks such as Red Bull, Tiger and Monster to pupils from the school at any time of the day.

She said: "The sign came officially from the school.

"I think it s because it makes the pupils a bit hyper.

"We used to have problems when we were just verbally telling them they couldn't buy it but once the school put a sign up it has been OK."

Headteacher Malvina Sanders said the decision was taken following research showing the energy drinks could prevent young people from concentrating in class.

A Tesco spokeswoman said: “There is currently no legislation which would allow us or any other retailer to ban the sale of any energy drink to children, though labels on the products do say they are not suitable for this age group.

"However, we take our responsibilities to the communities we serve very seriously.

"We will always try to work, within reason, with schools, police and all local bodies to provide any support we can."