Parents have been left frustrated and disappointed after a Norfolk primary school cancelled an end-of-year celebration.

Year six pupils at Foulsham Primary School near Dereham were reportedly left in tears following news that a barbecue to mark the end of their time at the school would not take place.

Angry parents said no explanation had been offered for the cancellation and that school had ignored their concerns and even banned some parents from the school grounds after they raised concerns.

A letter to parents said the school was "truly saddened and sorry about the decision we have had to come to", which was said to be due to staffing issues.

Jo Sadler, whose three children attend Foulsham Primary, said there had been "unsettling" scenes in the school playground on Wednesday after the cancellation of the school leavers' barbecue was announced.

"There were little girls and boys crying and hugging their parents. It was soul-destroying," she said.

"Their last few days should be magical for them.

"The school does not want to hear parents' opinions or how their children are feeling. This is why they are getting frustrated, because they are not being listened to."

Natasha Ward, whose son is in year six, said: "I know the children have the play on Monday which is brilliant, but my son is not really a performer so for him it is sad.

"He is my fourth son to go through primary school and this is not the way they should remember things."

Although the barbecue - which was scheduled for Thursday - will not take place, year six pupils are still set to perform an end of year play on Monday, after which they will receive school leavers' hoodies.

A spokesman for the Synergy Multi Academy Trust, which runs Foulsham Primary, said: "The majority of the end of year celebrations, such as the end of year performance and presentation of leavers' gifts, are going ahead as they always have done. It is unfortunate that the barbecue had to be cancelled at short notice and we apologise for this. We are confident that the other leavers' events will give an excellent send off to year six pupils."