PARENTS of pupils at a school that stopped children wearing anti-bullying wristbands want to see the ban lifted.

St Patrick's RC Primary School, in Consett, County Durham, banned the blue bracelets because they break a strict uniform code.

They were sent to the children as part of BBC Radio 1's Beat Bullying campaign.

Phil Swift, of Blackhill, Consett said: "There cannot be a better cause than an anti-bullying campaign in a school."

Tracy Darroch, of West Parade, Consett, said the bands were a good idea.

She said: "It is very important that we tackle bullying and we hear about it happening in all schools.

"The ban should be lifted."

Young people were able to get the bands if they logged on to Radio 1's website.

The station has sent out more than 250,000 bracelets, but said no more were available as the campaign is ending this month.

Yesterday, they were changing hands on internet auction site ebay for £21.

A spokesman for Radio 1 said: "Clearly we are disappointed by the actions of the school."

Headteacher Pat Henson said staff would be discussing ways to show its support for anti-bullying measures.

Mrs Henson said: "We appreciate that the bands are for a good cause, but we also have to consider the safety of the children in our care.

"Some of the children were wearing a number of different coloured bands which, if they were to catch on something, such as a door handle, could cause an injury."