Last updated at 08:24 03 October 2007

A group of pupils angered by their school's decision to change its uniform rules staged a dramatic protest yesterday - by setting fire to their blazers.

Firemen and police were called to Abertillery Comprehensive School in South Wales after 60 children tried to burn their garments.

Headmistress Pauline Thomas said 'only a small group' of pupils aged between 15 and 16 were involved in the demonstration, with many later being excluded from classes.

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The protest against the reintroduction of traditional school uniforms comes a day after Tory leader David Cameron pledged to being the blazer back to improve classroom discipline and behaviour.

Mrs Thomas said: 'At approximately 11am the youngsters walked out of their third lesson of the day and congregated in the bus bay. The children, who were mainly Year 11 pupils, took off their blazers and began to burn them.

'I called the emergency services to get the group under control. They were intimidating the younger pupils and that kind of behaviour will not be tolerated.' She added: 'It was just a case of some pupils who do not like being told what to do. But what they were doing is a criminal offence.

'Letters will be sent out to all the parents of the children involved and some, a couple, will have to be excluded. We cannot put up with this sort of behaviour.'

Some parents and children had been upset by Mrs Thomas's decision to bring back the black blazers as part of the school's official uniform.

Pupils had been given until this Friday to comply with the new regulations.

However, most children have been wearing the uniform since the start of term a month ago.

On the school's website, Mrs Thomas wrote: 'I would like to thank all parents and carers for their assistance with supplying correct uniform to a very high standard.'

The headmistress, who has a reputation for being strict, also complimented Year 11 pupils for looking smart.

But the website warns that anyone who turn up in nonregulation jackets and jumpers will have them confiscated and they will be sent home.

Mrs Thomas said: 'Letters were sent out last term informing parents that youngsters must wear the blazers.

'They don't have to buy blazers from the school, they can go to Asda and buy anyone's and put the school badge on. It was not a protest over cost.'

One 16-year-old pupil said: 'Everyone has been complaining against the blazers. It's not fair - we don't want to wear them.

'Teachers don't understand that they can't force us. It's not right, but some Year 11s have paid £34 for these horrible itchy blazers when they will be leaving in a few month's time.'