A school has hit out at pupils being taught in "temporary" mobile classrooms - for the last 44 years.

Chyngton Primary School has asked East Sussex County Council for a new building so it can finally say goodbye to its dilapidated pre-fabs.

Teachers say the classrooms, which were erected in 1964 as a temporary solution to overcrowding, are a security risk.

The school, in Millberg Road, Seaford, expected the council to replace its five mobile classrooms but say a change in funding criteria means it has been overlooked.

The oldest classroom is becoming increasingly unstable because the floor is being lifted by roots from a nearby tree.

Business manager Cathy Finch said: "We have spent lots of our school budget carrying out work on the classrooms to make them as fit as possible.

"But it doesn't alter the fact they are temporary buildings but classroom which is 44 years old is not really temporary.

"The children using them are not near to toilet facilities which during the winter can be very uncomfortable for them.

"There is also the security risk because, although we have fitted new windows and lighting, we are vulnerable to unwanted access. Teachers say about one third of the school's 446 pupils are taught in one of the mobile classrooms, which are expensive to kit out with internet access.

Many are also forced to eat their lunches in their classrooms because of overcrowding in the dining hall.

Mrs Finch said: "Our concern is how much longer will we have to use their temporary classrooms because it is not ideal for teaching.

"The council carried out a feasibility study in 2005 and we understood we were near to the top of the list for improvements.

"But then the criteria changed and the council haven't told us what our position is. Now we don't know how long we have to wait."

The school would like to celebrate its 50th anniversary next month with news from the council that the building will be extended.