Fears it could be final curtains for performing arts lessons at a Norfolk high school are a drama about nothing, a school has said.

More than 300 people signed an online petition calling to stop the axing of drama lessons at Old Buckenham High School.

The petition on change.org alleged the school was 'pushing to axe drama completely from its curriculum'.

They planned to hand the petition to the headteacher and chairman of governors Robert Pollock, saying: 'The vast majority of students, parents and teachers at OBHS are against axing subjects.

'So governors, and major staff in the school, please listen to the people who are involved with the school, and block the removal of drama.

'We understand there are cuts, but find money elsewhere. Getting rid of student subjects is unacceptable.

But headteacher Andrew Fell said any information that drama is about to be stopped at the school is 'incorrect' and 'unfortunate'.

He added: 'Old Buckenham High School is not going to axe drama from the curriculum.'

In a separate letter sent to parents to reassure them, he added: 'As you may be aware our drama teacher is leaving at the end of the summer term. We would like to reassure parents that we remain committed to offering drama in the curriculum.

'GCSE drama will be running at key-stage-four and drama will be part of the key-stage-three offer.

'The school has been seeking and will continue to look for the best possible solution in terms of staffing. I hope this clears up the confusion that has arisen over the last few days.'

That is likely to be music to the ears of those behind the petition, who said: 'Opportunity makes the school attractive to newcomers and enjoyable for students at the school. There is more to education than just science, maths and English.

The petition said the South Norfolk school has 'an outstanding reputation for punching above its weights in the performing arts and in sport'.

Signatories to the petition commented to say drama provision at the school has been 'outstanding', with one saying the subject 'helped shape my life and personality'.