A group of teenage boys went to school wearing skirts in protest at a uniform policy forbidding them from wearing shorts during the summer.

The year 9 pupils chose to wear a skirt after they were punished for wearing shorts on the hottest day of the year so far.

As a result Michael Parker, Kodi Ayling, George Boyland and Jesse Stringer, all 14, chose cooler clothing which is part of the official uniform - a pleated navy skirt.

George, Jesse, Kodi and Michael, all 14, chose cooler clothing which is part of the official uniform - a pleated navy skirt

Despite not being allowed to wear the school's branded shorts, the boys were allowed to wear skirts which are part of the agreed school uniform.

The students at Longhill High School in Brighton, East Sussex, donned the skirts in protest of the school's decision to punish boys who wore school-issued PE shorts rather than trousers on Tuesday.

Pupil Michael Parker said: 'It's not fair for boys to be roasting in black trousers on the hottest day of the year while the girls can wear skirts.'

His mother Angela, added: 'We're fully in support of the boys.

'I think what the headmistress is doing is discrimination and I'm extremely proud of Michael and his fellow protesters.'

Wesley Allen, whose son Kodi was part of the protesting group, said the school's decision to punish the boys for wearing shorts was 'madness'.

He added: 'The shorts he had on have the school logo on them and I think should be allowed to wear them on hot days.

'The school say they have to wear school uniform and the shorts are.

Michael Parker, left, pictured wearing the shorts, next to Kodi Ayling, right, who is sporting the skirt which is part of the agreed school uniform

'I think it's madness. The boys have done this to prove a point and I think it's brilliant. I don't think Kodi will wear the skirt all summer but I do think he likes the attention.'

On Tuesday - the hottest day of the year - around 20 boys wore Longhill-branded gym shorts and were all punished by the secondary school as they were not wearing 'regulation uniform'.

Some of the students were sent home and others were kept in isolation and excluded the following day.

Headteacher Kate Williams said: 'Students have access to water in order to keep themselves hydrated.

'We have made reasonable steps to ensure that classrooms are as comfortable as possible.

'I have high standards regarding uniform and in the warm weather, these high standards have been challenged by approximately two per cent of parents and students.'