A SCHOOLGIRL with serious allergies, who is on a special diet to curb her bad behaviour, has been expelled from school - angering her family who say she needs help rather than punishment.

Lindzi Hill, nine, was permanently excluded from St Wulstan's RC Primary School, Great Harwood, by headteacher Marie-Christine Whalley on Friday.

The expulsion follows three recent incidents where Lindzi, of Noble Street, Great Harwood, misbehaved, including one occasion when she struck another pupil.

But Lindzi's family say her actions were mainly caused by her long-standing pschyological problems. The girl's family claim the school is well aware of her problems and has been sympathetic in the past.

But they claim that in recent months the school has offered little practical support. They have taken up the matter with Hyndburn MP Greg Pope, who expressed concern over the case. Lindzi's mother Margaret Hill said she could understand if the school said it could not cope and offered to help the family find her somewhere more suitable to study. But she said the decision to expel Lindzi would make it difficult for her to find another school, and put her behind with her studies. Lindzi's allergies and behavioural problems are being assessed by experts including a psychotherapist at Queen's Park Hospital, Blackburn. An allergist in Accrington has provided the youngster with a special diet avoiding crisps, dairy products and food additives.

Lindzi's grandmother Barbara Stuart said that Lindzi's behaviour had improved since she was put on the special diet five weeks ago. But she claims that conflicts with teachers and bullying by other pupils caused her to misbehave.

A letter to Mrs Hill from the school stated that Lindzi had been expelled because of her refusal to accept school discipline, her rudeness to teachers and her threatening behaviour towards other pupils.

Hyndburn MP Greg Pope said: "I am concerned about this. The family have been in touch with me and I have referred them to the admissions officer at the county council to ensure they get the correct professional advice."

Headteacher Miss Whalley said the matter would be considered by governors but declined to comment further.

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