An MP today called for a new secondary school in Eastbourne to stem a growing crisis of classroom overcrowding.

Eastbourne has the most overcrowded schools in East Sussex, with admission numbers at its six secondary schools up by 12 per cent between 1998 and 2001.

Experts predict admissions will rise by a further ten per cent in the next four years.

Parents fear pupils' education will be hindered as more children swell class sizes.

Eastbourne Tory MP Nigel Waterson has sought an emergency adjournment debate in the Commons on overcrowding.

He is visiting every school in Eastbourne to gauge the problem before he meets education ministers later this month.

Mr Waterson said: "Undoubtedly there is a need for a new school and I shall be meeting with various people in the coming weeks to campaign for that.

"I believe it is inevitable that a new secondary school will be built and efforts for that need to start now if we are to avoid a seriously bad overcrowding situation."

Parent Keith Martin, of Priory Road, Eastbourne, was so concerned about overcrowding he turned down an offer for his daughter, Clare, to attend Eastbourne Technology College.

Clare, 11, has remained at home while Mr Martin takes his daughter's case through legal channels in the hope of securing her a place at their first preference, Ratton School.

Mr Martin, a governor at St Andrew's Infants School in Winchelsea Road, Eastbourne, said: "In other areas, such as Uckfield and Heathfield, there has been an eight per cent increase in admissions but schools have expanded.

"In Eastbourne there has been a 12 per cent increase yet there have been no plans to expand capacity."