A TEACHER has been booted out for telling a class of nine and 10- year-olds that Santa does not exist.

The woman, who has not been named, told them: "All of you are old enough to know there is no Father Christmas or fairies. If you ask your parents to tell you, they will say there is no such thing."

Several of the year five pupils were devastated. One unnamed child said: "We were really upset because we still believe he is real."

Parents were furious at her outburst during a lesson.

Mum Amanda Piovesana said: "I am upset because it has taken away a magical part of Christmas. A teacher should not have the right to do that.

"My daughter was very upset, it was the first thing she said when she came home.

"I don't blame the school, though, as they had no idea until the children said what had happened." The supply teacher has since left Boldmere Junior School, in Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands.