MORE than 100 kids are feared to have suffered burns at a Catholic school’s Ash Wednesday service.

At least two were taken to hospital after painful reactions to crosses being smudged on their foreheads.

7 Schoolboy Chairo Rowe has a burn on his forehead Credit: SWNS:South West News Service

The ash is traditionally made from leaves burned on the previous year’s Palm Sunday — but it is thought a toxic plant could have been accidentally used too.

The grandfather of one pupil said: “Over 100 children were damaged. Parents are contemplating legal action.”

The service was carried out by a priest helped by two sixth-formers at St Augustine’s Catholic High School in Redditch, Worcs.

Parents said it was halted halfway through when kids complained of “tingling”.

Cassena Brown, 39, said hospital medics told her that her son Chairo Rowe, 14 had a chemical burn that would likely leave a scar.

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She added: “Some of the kids rubbed it off straight away, but some left it on and started complaining of burning. They were then given a wet wipe to wipe it off, but it ripped the skin off as well.

“Some just had like a heat rash. But when I saw my son I was gobsmacked. Last week he had girls at schools saying he was cute. Now he has a burn on his face.”

The school was approached for comment.

7 Cassena Brown, 39, with her son Chairo Rowe, 14, whose head was burnt during a religious ritual Credit: SWNS:South West News Service

7 Cassena said medics told her that Chairo had a chemical burn that would probably leave a scar Credit: SWNS:South West News Service

7 Pupil Chairo, 14, shows the burn on his forehead after a Catholic School Ash Wednesday service Credit: SWNS:South West News Service

7 The service took place at St Augustine’s Catholic High School, Redditch, Worcestershire Credit: SWNS:South West News Service

7 File photo of the sign of the cross being made with ash on a Catholic priest's forehead to mark Christianity's holy day Credit: Getty - Contributor

7 It is thought a toxic plant could have been accidentally used to make the ashes at St Augustine’s service Credit: SWNS:South West News Service

Mexican Catholics celebrate Ash Wednesday with crosses and prayer