Ananova:

Primary school have been banned kids from wearing angel wings in their nativity because of health and safety worries.

They fear pupils at Sacred Heart , RC Primary in Paignton, Devon carrying candles in the play could set the festive costumes on fire.

Headmistress Linda Mitchell said the school made the decision after a "risk assessment", reports The Sun.

She said: "It is to do with health and safety. You have to be so careful nowadays.

"If the children are carrying candles there's a danger if they turn suddenly."

Mrs Mitchell added that in last year's nativity play pupils suffered scratches from the wings.

She said: "Last year we had wings made from cardboard and flammable material, some children got scratched. The other teachers agreed it was sensible not to have wings."

But mum Mandy Mason fears daughter Holli, five - who plays an angel - will be upset at being banned from wearing her wings.

Mandy, 44, said: "I think it's awful - how can they expect the children to look the part without the wings? It all seems rather over-the-top to me."

But Mrs Mitchell said: "I think most parents would rather their children didn't go up in smoke.

"There have been no complaints and the children will still look beautiful. Anyway, theologically angels haven't always had wings."