Pupils at one of the biggest schools in West Sussex are to be put on a four-day week because of the teacher recruitment crisis.

The measure is the result of the growing teacher recruitment crisis in the South-East and could last until September.

More than 900 12 to 14-year-old students at Bognor Regis Community College - half the roll - will be affected.

Headteacher Les Savins told parents he had no option but to cut class time.

Bognor town councillor Kevin Welling is one of dozens of parents angered by the move.

He said his son George, 12, would miss school on a Wednesday and 14-year-old Charlie would have no classes on a Friday.

He said: "My wife works so they will be left to their own devices. I'm annoyed there has been no consultation over this.

"The school has just dished out a letter a few days before the Easter holidays."

Mr Savins said: "I've been holding back the letter until the last minute because I was hoping we wouldn't have to make these arrangements.

"We did consult the parent governors and the parent teacher association."

Mr Savins said: "I have been interviewing for staff today and I am optimistic this is only going to be a short-term problem."

A West Sussex County Council spokesman said: "Bognor Regis Community College is a good school but it is in the difficult position of having vacancies arising in April when most available teachers are already in post."