Safety has been tightened at a secondary school in north Norfolk.

A new security fence has been installed at North Walsham High School.

It follows safeguarding concerns before the summer holidays which saw parents banned from attending their children's sports day.

However, one opponent has compared the new security measures to a prison.

North Walsham High School head teacher Neil Powell said: 'The safety of our students is of paramount importance, and we constantly review our safety procedures to ensure we are doing everything possible to make the school a safe environment for our students.

'We have installed a new fence at the school during the summer so that our playground and playing field can only be accessed by authorised visitors to the school who have signed in at reception. The fencing is in line with Department for Education guidance on school security.

'All schools have to try and strike a balance between creating a welcoming environment for visitors and ensuring the safety of students and staff. North Walsham High School remains a school where we welcome all visitors who respect the need to safeguard the children in our school community.

'I am always happy to discuss the issue of child safety, and why that remains a key function of the school, with anyone who has questions about our safeguarding policies.'

Earlier this year, a furious mum revealed she planned to keep her 14-year-old daughter off school in protest at the sports day ban.

Commenting on the new fencing, school visitor Harry Fabb said: 'New prison-like fencing at NWHS for safe-guarding reasons, the tops look pretty sharp, and this is not even the main outer fence.'