Pupils are up in arms about what they have branded a 'heavy-handed' crackdown on school uniform that has allegedly seen thongs banned for health and safety reasons.

Up to 200 students took to the field in a mass protest at Cranford Community College on Monday to express their anger over the school's new zero-tolerance approach to rogue clothing.

The noisy demonstrations came after a huge inspection at the school in Cranford High Street last Tuesday.

One staff member broke ranks to complain about what he described as a 'ridiculous waste of public resources'.

He told the Chronicle how pupils were asked to lift their jumpers as they entered the school and ordered to remove any items not on the school's strict dress code.

"It's ludicrous telling pupils they can't even wear vests under their uniforms, especially at such a stressful time of year when many children are sitting exams," he said.

"There must have been somewhere between 100 and 200 students protesting.

"Most of the teachers find the policy hilarious and fully support the students and their parents."

Lorraine Herbert, both of whose children have fallen foul of the new regulations, claimed 70 pupils were sent home in a single day last week.

"I'm glad to see the pupils protesting because the school's gone way over the top," said the 39-year-old, of Upper Butts, Brentford.

"One mum told me they'd even banned girls from wearing thongs because of the health and safety risk of them getting caught on door handles."

A spokesman for the school claimed the number of pupils demonstrating was closer to 50 than 200 and insisted its policy on uniforms played a vital role in preventing bullying.

He said most parents supported the move because it reduced the pressure to splash out on designer gear.

"Parents were written to before half-term, reminding them of the school's uniform policy and warning them that checks would become part of the daily routine," he added.

"Uniform creates a sense of common identity with the school, instills pride and shows allegiance and support for the school.

"Above all, research suggests that uniform makes an important contribution which supports effective teaching and learning."