A mayor has been criticised for falling asleep during a school play.

Worthing mayor Noel Atkins, who was guest of honour at the production of musical Bugsy, was spotted napping just 20 minutes into the show.

Parents claimed children at Vale First and Middle School in Vale Avenue, Worthing, were left devastated by the snoozy slip-up.

Mother Tina Knowles, 42, who was in the audience, said: "I thought it was brilliant. I was very proud. I can't believe the mayor fell asleep.

"The kids all worked really hard and rehearsed loads and were really proud of it. It was a big night for them to do it in front of the mayor. It's a shame he ruined what could have been a special night for them."

Her son Ashley Knowles, 11, who played a tramp in the Bugsy chorus, said: "I couldn't believe he fell asleep. Some of the girls were very upset. I think he needs to have some Weetabix in the morning so he has more energy through the day.

"It was cheeky of him.”

Coun Atkins apologised for his sleepy mistake and said he had been suffering from a heavy cold when he went to the show last Tuesday.

He added: “I didn’t actually fall asleep, I momentarily dozed and then I caught myself and stopped myself from doing it.

“It was an unfortunate situation.

“I momentarily dozed and obviously it was picked up and reported on.

“The previous Sunday I was taking part in a charity cycle ride and as a result I picked up a heavy cold over the next few days.

“I discussed it with my wife about actually cancelling the event but I don’t like to do that at the last minute and let the kids down.

“In hindsight maybe we should’ve cancelled.”

He added: “I think it’s important to keep things in proportion and you have to balance the incident out with the 700 other events I have done in the past year.

“I am sorry that it happened, I had a heavy day and a heavy cold but that’s no excuse and it shouldn’t have happened.

“I very much regret the situation.

“I don’t understand the claims being made about children being upset in the interval.

“I was speaking to them during the interval and they were excited and hyper but I didn’t notice that any were upset.

“It was an unfortunate incident and I hold my hands up and say sorry.

“The children put on a brilliant performance and I was happy to be there in to support them.”