Parents have been given a second chance to convince education bosses their children should go to the same school as their siblings.

A group of about 25 parents, who all have older children at Steyning Grammar School, were refused places for their younger children But they can now appeal for a second time after West Sussex County Council admitted there was a "significant flaw" in the first appeals process.

A letter from principal solicitor Tony Kershaw said the parents had not been given enough time to prepare their case. Fresh appeals will be heard at the end of the month.

Paul Brownjohn, from Shoreham, whose 11-year-old son was among those refused a place, said: "They are putting budgets and rules before the educational and emotional needs of the children.

"It's making one child so sick, the parents are considering keeping her at home."