FIVE pupils at a high school have been excluded over drugs allegations.

The five boys, who have not been named, were excluded from the school for what staff called "drug related activities".

The police have been informed and have visited Whitworth High School to investigate the supply of drugs.

Four of the boys have been excluded for four days each for attending school after smoking cannabis.

A fifth boy has been excluded permanently for supplying cannabis.

The headteacher at the school, Neil Robinson, said drugs were not a problem at the school and had acted quickly in excluding the boys.

Mr Robinson said: "Two of the temporarily excluded pupils had attended a play rehearsal on a Saturday and had smoked a 'joint' before leaving home.

"Another boy had gone out at dinner time, used cannabis and returned while under the influence.

"Another child was in possession of a tiny amount of cannabis."

The head, who has been at the school for 17 years was quick to dispel any suggestion that drugs were a problem at the school.

He continued: "This is only the fourth instance relating to drugs in my 17 years at the school, so there is clearly no long-term problem.

"I decided, however, to take a firm approach because this sort of behaviour absolutely cannot be tolerated."

All five pupils have been offered counselling by the school. Mr Robinson added that the dangers of drugs had been highlighted in the school's personal, social and health education classes.

The police were unavailable for comment.