The head teacher of a boarding school today warned his pupils about the dangers of smoking after a youngster accidentally set fire to his room.

Firefighters were called to Bowden House School, Firle Road, Seaford, at 1.20am by

staff when a blaze started in a second floor bedroom.

Around 40 pupils, many with special needs from London boroughs, were evacuated.

Three pupils were treated at Eastbourne District General

Hospital after breathing in smoke from the fire.

Fire investigators were visiting the scene today to investigate the cause of the blaze, believed to have been sparked by a pupil dropping a lighted cigarette on his mattress.

Head teacher Mike Price said: "I have held a special assembly this morning to warn pupils about fire safety in general, including smoking.

"The early indication is that a cigarette started it, but I will have to wait for the full fire brigade report before that is confirmed."

Mr Price added: "All praise goes to pupils and staff who conducted the fire procedures with great efficiency.

"The damage has been confined to the room where it started, with some charring to the walls. The main problem was the smoke."

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