A secondary school is planning to change its dress code to allow pupils to wear trainers.

Longhill High, in Falmer Road, Rottingdean, has proposed a slackening of its uniform rules following pressure from its students.

In a letter to parents, headteacher Haydn Stride said he wanted feedback on the idea of allowing children to wear black trainers or casual black shoes from Easter onwards after being asked to make the change by members of the school's student council.

Pupils can currently only wear smart black leather shoes.

The move is expected to prompt debate in the community between those who prefer the smart appearance of leather shoes and others in favour of more comfortable footwear.

It would go against the recent trend for schools which had changed their uniform to more casual styles to revert to traditional blazers and ties.

Varndean School, in Balfour Road, Brighton, made that switch last year following the lead of others in Sussex, including schools in Seaford and Lewes.

Councillor Lynda Hyde, who represents Rottingdean on Brighton and Hove City Council, said that although she was not opposed to trainers she felt parents in the area preferred their children to look smart.