A high school is at the centre of a sexism row over plans to force schoolgirls to wear skirts so they do not wear "skintight" trousers.

Head teacher Ann Peers sent a letter to parents proposing uniform changes that would ban girls from wearing trousers.

The controversial suggestion comes after claims that female pupils were wearing "skintight" trousers, leggings and jeans.

But the plans have been criticised as "sexist" by a school governor, who fears they could harm "body conscious" teenage pupils.

The letter was to parents at 900-pupil Connah's Quay High School in Flintshire, North Wales. It said:

"At present girls are permitted to wear trousers, this has been an ongoing issue in regard to denims being worn, leggings and skin tight trousers. "The boys are expected to wear tailored trousers and look extremely smart. "To bring the same level of consistency to the uniform for girls I would like to make the change to skirts."

It added that the skirts will be available from Queensferry Sports at a cost of £10. Parents are asked to respond to the letter with their views by Monday, February 27.

However, some parents have already set up a campaign group called Support Our Child's Choices (SOCCs) with pages on Facebook and Twitter.