Furious parents are demanding an inquiry after pupils at a primary school had sugary drinks and snacks seized in raids on their lunchboxes.

Dinner ladies at Wharrier Street Primary School, in Walker, Newcastle, have been told to confiscate unhealthy drinks from youngsters in the crackdown on junk food.

The school wants to promote healthy eating among its pupils and has already won an award for its work in the past.

But the move has angered parents.

One says she has started bringing her daughter home at lunchtimes after claiming her Sunny D drink and chocolate bars were replaced with water and fruit.

The school said drinks had been confiscated from a number of children but it was not aware of any chocolate being taken.

Louanne Sproston said her daughter, Sinead, ten, was among those confronted over the contents of her lunchbox.

Mrs Sproston, 32, said: "For two days running, Sinead has had her Sunny D drink taken off her. She has also had her chocolates taken from her packed lunch box and given a piece of fruit instead. The school is telling parents we have no choice as to what we should give our children for their lunch."

Last night, headteacher Bernadette Doherty stood by her policy and said she was determined to promote healthy eating among pupils.

Mrs Doherty, who has helped Wharrier Street achieve a Healthy School Award, has banned juices and fizzy drinks and is only allowing water.

She said: "A couple of parents have come in full of hell and I told them the facts. I think adults should be responsible for a child's health.

"This school should be applauded for what we are doing."

A meeting will be held in the next two weeks with a healthy school co-ordinator and a member of the city council to discuss the healthy lifestyle plan with parents.