THE family of a teenager thrown out of school for wearing earrings have pleaded with teachers to take him back.

Robert Gilbert, 13, was told not to bother turning up for lessons at Hebburn Comprehensive, Hebburn, South Tyneside, unless he removed two gold studs from his left ear.

He had been ordered out of classes several times and has now been told not to come back unless he follows the school's dress policy.

His father Don, 51, hit out at the school for hampering his son's education over something he considers "petty".

He said: "Robert has always had one earring, which he has been covering with a plaster when he went to school.

"But he had another stud put in just before the end of the summer holidays which has to stay in for six to eight weeks.

"It's only been two weeks, so he runs the risk of getting an infection in his ear if he takes it out.

"It has to stay in, for the time being at least. The school is out of touch with what is happening with the kids.

"I don't want him taken out of lessons, but he can't take the ring out yet."

Trevor Lewis, deputy head teacher at the school, said the school council was talking to governors about a review of the dress code.

He said: "Until that happens the current dress code stands. The pupils have a say in what happens at the school and to represent their views to the school council."