The decision by a Norfolk high school to ban female pupils from wearing skirts has produced a strong reaction from readers, with many writing to oppose the plans.

Last week, the EDP reported how governors at Diss High School had agreed to the adoption of a trouser only uniform from September in a crackdown on 'immodest' clothing, based on the recommendations of a uniform focus group.

The school's headteacher Jan Hunt said: 'Girls already wear trousers at Diss High School.

'The reason the school is making this compulsory is the tendency for some girls to wear really short skirts. Hemlines have risen to a level that is both impractical as well as immodest.'

She added financial support would be offered to parents for the transition.

Karen Betts, from Diss, said she was not only against the decision to ban skirts, but also plans to change the colour of the trousers from black to grey, which was difficult to find in shops.

She said using the school's supplier would be too expensive, while she believed she would not be eligible for the funding available to buy the uniform.

'We feel the ban on skirts is unfair, as not all girls like wearing trousers, any complaints on the length of the skirt is the school's failure to enforce their rules.'

Tammy Batchelor, from Roydon, was also concerned about the expense and the uniform's colour change.

'I do totally agree that there has to be a uniform and there needs to be standards but surely the school would be better off stating a length of skirt that can be worn or a certain fit of trousers- such as not being skinny fit etc- and enforcing this rule rather than making all children wear the same trousers,' she added.

Tracey Webb, from Diss, who has a daughter Bethayne at the school, has written to the school head to oppose the ban.

She said: 'The banning of skirts is outrageous and totally uncalled for as it is the minority of girls that wear them too short, and some, they may as well be wearing a belt, but its a minority and what this ban is doing is classing each and every girl the same way, totally outrageous.

Bressingham resident Nigel Dowden said: 'I most certainly do not agree with the ban on pupils wearing skirts. 'Those that flout the rules should be the ones penalised, not the majority of girls that wear skirts that adhere to the current school policy.

And Cherry Green, of Morton Road, Aylsham said: 'I would have liked to have worn trousers at school in the winter but I would think they would be a bit hot in the summer. I think the option of wearing trousers for girls would be better than a complete ban on skirts. I think skirts should be knee length or just above the knee.'