AN investigation was under way last night into claims a pupil was made to continue with a games lesson - despite later being found to have a broken leg.

The mother of 11-year-old Anick Sharma has alleged that her son was not given treatment after sustaining an injury during a game of rounders.

Last night, Darlington Borough Council education chiefs confirmed they had received a complaint about an incident at Mowden Junior School, in the town.

A full investigation has been ordered into the circumstances. Anick's mother, Monika, only found out about the incident, which happened on July 19, as she waited at the school gates and saw two children supporting Anick as he limped towards her.

An examination at Darlington Memorial Hospital later revealed that Anick had broken a bone in his leg.

Doctors say he will need to use crutches and receive treatment for up to five weeks.

Anick, from Harrowgate Hill Farm, said: "It was horrible. I was yelping in pain and crying. My friends had to help me."

Mrs Sharma said she had lodged formal complaints with the school and the council's education department, enclosing statements from Anick's friends who say they witnessed the incident.

"For the first few days afterwards I couldn't sleep," said Mrs Sharma.

"Mowden has been a fantastic school during Anick's time there, but this has been hard to deal with.

"It might not have been a very bad break, but what if it was a spinal or neck injury?"

Anick's friend, Luke Innis, also 11, was one of the children who witnessed the incident, and came to his friend's aid.

"Anick was crying his eyes out and limping, he could hardly walk," he said.

"I was very concerned and sat down with Anick to comfort him. Lots of people came over to see if he was all right."

A spokeswoman for Darlington Borough Council said: "The school is holding a full investigation into the incident."