A HEADTEACHER today defended her decision to send home two 15-year-old girls from school because of red hair dye and said: "Open defiance of school rules threatens their education."

Janet Walsh, of Primet High School, Dent Street, Colne, spoke out after one parent branded the decision "ridiculous".

Anne Robinson refused to re-dye daughter Ashleigh Wherry's hair after the teenager, of Nelson, was sent home by Mrs Walsh with pal Kelly Dawson, who had also dyed her hair.

Mrs Walsh said Ashleigh turned up for class with bright red streaks in her hair, which contravened uniform policy. Mrs Robinson said to conceal the streaks was a matter of principle but added that Ashleigh had returned to school today for the first time since the row after having spent a week at home. She said: "School uniform is an item of clothing that can immediately be changed. She can't do that with her hair."

Mrs Walsh said that parents were made aware of school uniform policy on hair and that a detailed letter was sent by the school authorities to parents and pupils in June. It stated: "No high fashion styles are allowed, including multi coloured styles."

The letter also made it clear that pupils would be sent home if they came to school with an "inappropriate style."

Altogether three year 11 girls have faced school disciplinary action because of their hair colour.

Ashley's mother admitted that the colour was obvious but said: "It is ridiculous to say that hair colour is more important than education".

But Mrs Walsh said: "School uniform is a significant factor in establishing a focused learning environment which in turn leads to high levels of achievement in the school.

"Open defiance of any school rule undermines good order and discipline and threatens the educational opportunities of the pupils."