TWO teenagers have been withdrawn from one of the North-East's leading privately-run schools after being caught with drugs.

The boys, both fourth-formers at The King's School, Tynemouth, Tyne and Wear, were removed from the school by their parents to prevent the shame of expulsion.

One of the boys was found with a small quantity of cannabis and the other admitted taking it into the school for him.

Headteacher Dr David Younger said: "Incidents like this are fortunately very rare in The King's School, but when they do occur they are dealt with swiftly and according to school policy.

"In a special school assembly, I reiterated the dangers of drug abuse and the far-reaching effects that this can have on families and friends."

The school is more than 100 years old and takes boys and girls from four to 18. It achieves some of the highest exam grades in the region and commands annual fees of £5,142.

The police have not been called in