More than 100 pupils demonstrated at their school yesterday in protest at the hot conditions in class.

Many said they wanted to wear shorts and demanded they be allowed to dress down during the heatwave.

The children at Cardinal Newman Catholic School in Hove sat outside in the shade for over an hour after break before the headmaster called a school assembly to discuss the matter. Pupils wanted to be allowed to wear shorts in the hot weather.

School governors last night decided to allow pupils to wear suitable clothing which would be more comfortable during the heatwave.

They decided any clothing, including shorts, would be acceptable so long as pupils were not "silly" and attire remained appropriate for school.

Headmaster, Peter Evans, gave permission for pupils to wear non-school uniform. As a Catholic school the board of governors, rather than the local education authority, has direct control over school affairs.

Chairman of the governors, Tad Matus, said that unlike other schools it was not possible to send pupils home during yesterday's soaring temperatures.

He said the school took in children from as far afield as Worthing and Seaford, so sending children home was not practical.

He said the school would decide on dress code on a day-to-day basis.