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Parents at a Somerset school feared their young children could be sent home from school for dressing up on World Book Day - after a headteacher decided to tell kids to put costumes on potatoes instead.

Children at schools across the UK dress up as characters from books for the celebration today (March 5) - aimed at getting children interested in reading - but one Somerset primary school decided to mark the occasion in a very different way.

The headteacher at Churchfield Church School in Highbridge chose to ask kids to dress up potatoes this year - instead of donning costumes themselves - telling pupils to come to school in their regular uniforms.

But parents have been angered by the new vegetable-based plans and have slammed the school on social media, saying children are feeling left out and adding that the idea is a waste of food.

Parent calls headteacher a 'dictator' in 'potato-gate' row

The disagreement has been labelled 'potato-gate', with some parents vowing to send their children to school in costume anyway as a protest, but several claim they were told by the headteacher that pupils would be sent home if they did so.

One parent has labelled the head a "dictator" for his stance, but the headteacher has said today that no child has been sent home, and added: "I have never said to any parent that children would be sent home."

A parent at the school, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: "Following numerous complaints by parents and upset children, a couple of children have dressed up in protest and most have not participated in the potato dressing but the school has said they will send children home who dress up.

"The children have friends in other schools who are doing the normal thing of dressing up but the school haven’t listened.

"Parents are mostly upset because they feel they are not being listened to by the school.

"Parents have spoken to the head teacher and have been met with a dictator type response and told their children will be sent home.

"A view from other parents is that it is a waste of food. I do not share that view personally but people are entitled to their opinions."

Another parent said children had been 'disappointed' by missing out on the chance to dress up.

Headteacher defends potato World Book Day competition plan

Headteacher Justin Philcox has responded to the criticism from some parents.

He said: "The school has been contacted by four families who were disappointed by plans for World Book Day this year.

"As a change, we decided to dress up potatoes for a competition instead of letting the children come into school in costumes.

"Many of the children have participated in this and we have the local vicar here today to judge the competition."

BELOW PICTURE GALLERY: 50 of the best costumes from across Somerset on World Book Day

Mr Philcox added: "I think I have only seen one child who has come to school in costume.

"The school has not sent anybody home today, and I have never said to any parent that children would be sent home."