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PRINCE William is currently over 8,000 miles away from his three children in South Africa – but that doesn’t mean he isn’t keeping them close.

The Prince of Wales got stuck into royal engagements in Cape Town yesterday and eagle-eyed fans spotted his very poignant bracelet.

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Prince William showed off a bracelet in Cape Town on Monday with a special meaning[/caption]

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Royal fans were quick to point out the tribute to George, Charlotte and Louis[/caption]

Prince William, 42, was seen wearing a blue-beaded friendship band which spelled out the word “papa”.

The sweet token was likely to have been made for him by either Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, or Prince Louis, six – or perhaps it was a team effort.

Fans were quick to say they thought it was a “beautiful way” to show that “he loves them”, despite the distance of the trip.

One wrote: “That is so sweet of him and the children.”

‘Swifty’ Charlotte

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The Wales family are known to be Taylor Swift fans – with friendship bracelets being a trend at her gigs[/caption]

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William was seen dancing at the Taylor Swift gig on his birthday[/caption]

Some pointed out the bracelet could have come from “Swifty” Princess Charlotte, with Taylor Swift fans famous giving out friendship bands at her concerts.

Prince William spent his 24th birthday this year taking Prince George and Princess Charlotte to the pop star’s Eras Tour, where he debuted his ‘dad dancing’ moves.

After the show, the royal family got to meet Taylor and snapped an iconic selfie with her.

William’s African trip

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Prince William is in Cape Town for the Earthshot Awards[/caption]

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William met with the late Steve Irwin’s son Robert Irwin during his visit at Signal Hill[/caption]

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The royal also took part in a rugby coaching session with local school children[/caption]

William has arrived for a four-day visit in Cape Town, culminating in his fourth £50million Earthshot Prize.

He kicked off the trip at the Earthshot Prize Climate Leaders Youth Programme at Cape Town venue, Rooftop on Bree – with its stunning views of Table Mountain.

And told 120 future leaders from Africa and Asia “you are going to change the world”.

Activities so far for the Prince of Wales have included playing touch rugby with kids — and renewing his acquaintance with “The Beast”.

Also taking part in the game was 22-stone Tendai “The Beast” Mtawarira — a ­former rugby star he first met after Wales played the Springboks in 2014.

Wills joked with the 6ft 6ins prop: “You’re still as big as you were — bigger!”

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Prince William joined young environmentalists at the inaugural Earthshot Prize Climate Leaders Youth Programme[/caption]

The trip comes on the back of Prince William’s two-part documentary on ITV about ending homelessness.

The 42-year-old has helped at homeless centre The Passage in central London since mum Diana took him aged 11 in 1993.

CEO Mick Clarke said: “We see him as the real person.

“When he comes he is very relaxed, very chilled.

“I have a feeling there is sort of a family relationship there, given the history back to when he was 11.

“People who have lived with homelessness are very good at instantly sussing whether someone is straight-forward and authentic or not and Prince William just seems very comfortable.

Kate’s recovery

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Princess Kate has now finished her chemotherapy treatment[/caption]

While William is away on royal duties, George, Charlotte and Louis are in capable hands with Princess Kate, who is now “cancer-free.”

In September, Kate shared a heartwarming video alongside her supportive family announcing the news.

The mum-of-three, 42, spoke of her “relief” after finishing her treatment, adding that the last nine months have been “incredibly tough”.

In the touching video, Kate bravely told how she is continuing “to take each day as it comes” following the news.

Since her shock cancer diagnosis in March, Kate stepped out of the spotlight so she could fully recover.

Kate also told how “doing what I can to stay cancer free” was now her focus as she revealed the road to recovery is still long.

But she said she was “looking forward” to being back at work and taking on a few more public engagements in the coming months.

It is also understood she will join her family at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday as she slowly returns to public duties.

This will include light duties later in the year, as well as planning her annual carol service.

AS Election Day voting begins for millions of Americans, officials are making sure that security is ramped up at ballot offices.

A ring of steel with barbed wire fences, bulletproof vests and snipers is being deployed as the FBI issued a chilling warning involving Vladimir Putin and fellow US rivals.

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Officials are ramping up security ahead of Election Day[/caption]

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A member of the U.S. Secret Service closes a security gate along Pennsylvania Avenue near the White House on the day before the election[/caption]

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An election official said “extreme measures” are having to be taken to protect them as some 40% of election officials have experienced threats or abuse.

Tammy Patrick, chief program officer at the National Association of Election Officials, explained that more than half of election officials are concerned about their personal safety and that of their family.

She told Sky News: “These are extraordinary times.

“It is absolutely the case that election officials have had to take extreme measures to make sure that they have protected not only themselves and their staff, but the literal ballots.

“We’re talking everything from wearing Kevlar vests to implementing bulletproof vests.”

The security official added that undermining the system has become “the new modus operandi for some people”.

But she expressed confidence that they could ensure a safe and secure election.

Authorities in Maricopa County, Arizona, have even built “barbed-wire fencing around their tabulation centre,” Ms Patrick said.

“There are snipers on top of buildings around some of this country’s election offices.”

Metal detectors, armed security guards and bomb sweeps are also being used to further bolster security for Arizona voters, the BBC reports.

During the 2020 presidential election, Maricopa County became the focus of election conspiracy theories because Donald Trump made baseless accusations of voter fraud after losing the state by less than 11,000 votes to Joe Biden.

Meanwhile, the FBI has warned that Russian and Iranian actors are trying to “instil fear in voters” with fake election fraud news and  their efforts “risk inciting violence”, including against election officials.

The chilling warning was revealed in a joint statement by the Bureau, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

The agencies anticipate that Russian efforts to “stoke divisions among Americans” will increase in the days and weeks ahead, particularly regarding swing states.

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Millions of Americans are set to go voting today[/caption]

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Iron and barbed wire fences have been put up[/caption]

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Businesses are boarded along Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington DC as security measures are taken for possible violence after Tuesday’s election[/caption]

A joint statement read: “Russian influence actors recently posted and amplified an article falsely claiming that US officials across swing states plan to orchestrate election fraud using a range of tactics, such as ballot stuffing and cyber attacks.

“Russian influence actors also manufactured and amplified a recent video that falsely depicted an interview with an individual claiming election fraud in Arizona, which involved creating fake overseas ballots and changing voter rolls to favor Vice President Kamala Harris.”

Russia ally Iran has also conducted “malicious cyber activities” to compromise former Donald Trump’s campaign, the security agencies said.

“Iranian influence actors may also seek to create fake media content intended to suppress voting or stoke violence, as they have done in past election cycles.”

WHEN it comes to weddings – we often get overwhelmed with the loved up feelings surrounding the day.

But one proud father of the bride made an epic blunder while walking down the aisle which will go down in history.

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Neil was proudly walking down the aisle – but see if you can spot his mistake below[/caption]

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It seems he forgot one key detail on his first walk to the altar[/caption]

Neil Crossley, 60, was getting ready to walk his daughter Amy Totty, 30, towards the altar to start her new life as a married woman.

The bride looked stunning in an off-the-shoulder white dress as she got hitched at Holmfirth Vineyards in Yorkshire on October 4.

But in a moment of miscommunication between Neil and venue staff – her dad accidentally stole the limelight.

Neil began to walk up the aisle confidently – but he forgot one major detail, the bride.

As he paced down the aisle to her husband-to-be Harry Totty, 29, without the blushing bride, people were left in hysterics.

He got right to the end of the aisle before venue staff walked up behind him to remind him the bride was meant to be by his side.

Fortunately, no vows were said between Harry and Neil in the mishap, and Amy was able to get her wedding moment.

The entire room was left in hysterics as Neil went back up the aisle to walk down the aisle a second time, this time with his daughter in tow.

After the ceremony, Neil was able to make a last-minute joke in his speech at the reception about the blunder.

Neil, a teacher from Barnsley, Yorkshire, said: “After the initial fumble, it just felt very funny to everyone, including myself.

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Neil left his daughter behind on her wedding day leaving everyone in hysterics[/caption]

“I even managed to sneak it into my ‘Father of the Bride’ speech at the reception afterwards.

“The joke I made about the guests thinking I was at the wrong wedding got a huge laugh, so everyone took it in good spirits.”

Amy, a nurse from Barnsley, Yorkshire, took the moment in her stride quite literally – adding that it made her wedding even more memorable.

She said: “It was just pure miscommunication between my dad and the staff.

“He thought they told him to walk when they had actually said wait for me!

“It was just perfect timing as he made me, my husband and all our lovely friends and family laugh.

“I especially appreciated it as I was trying very hard not to cry and he helped me compose myself.

“It was a special moment none of us will forget.”

PUSSYCAT Doll Ashley Roberts has turned heads by posing topless while on a luxury trip away to Dubai.

Singer Ashley, 43, delighted fans with snaps of her toned, tanned body on social media.

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Ashley Roberts posed up a storm in Dubai[/caption]

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The Pussycat Doll showed off her toned and tanned physique[/caption]

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Ashley was showered with compliments after posting pictures in her bikini[/caption]

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The presenter flashed her athletic figure in a black bikini[/caption]

Staying at the Thai-inspired Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort, the Arizona-born dancer gave fans a glimpse of her enviable body – and holiday.

The star, who recently dressed up as iconic singer Kylie, can be seen sat by the tub in her posh hotel without a top on.

Perched on the edge of the idyllic bath, the singer is wrapped in a white towel with her wavy locks half up and down.

With a serene expression on her face, The Real Dirty Dancing host looked relaxed and in her element.

The star posted pictures from the luxury hotel’s bathroom in front of a large black mirror and showed off the enormous hot-tub style bath with an impressive view of the sea.

Her high-cut two-piece swimming costume showed off her gym-honed thighs.

The strapless bandeau bikini top made sure she didn’t get any uneven tan marks on her sunkissed skin.

Ashley was snapped on a day bed with a book in hand, wearing a cosy dressing gown, surrounded by pastries and fresh fruit.

She captioned the pictures: “R&R.”

Fans commented: “Oh wow that bath looks amazing and so do you.” A second added: “Beautiful.” A third penned: “Stunning.”

The presenter recently told The Times about her preferred life choices.

She admitted: “People might look at my Instagram and say, ‘You’re always away,’ but my job at Heart means I have allocated time off which is a luxury compared with when I was in the Dolls.

“I think, ‘I don’t have kids. I want to spend my money on travelling.’

“Travel is my love language and adventure makes me happy — and I’m all for doing more of what makes you happy.”

The blonde bombshell admitted she once got starstruck by an A-list couple on a flight.

She continued: “On one transatlantic trip, we Dolls sat across from Daniel Craig and Rachel Weisz.

“We were all like, ‘Oh my God, we’re at 40,000ft with James Bond!’

“But we just admired from afar. I should have had a martini, just because, but I didn’t.”

The Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway presenter also spent time in the air with a late, great icon.

She said: “Another time I got to sit next to the legendary music producer Quincy Jones on a private flight in the US and I just sat in silence and let him talk about his life.

“He’s worked with everyone from Frank Sinatra to Elvis Presley to Michael Jackson, so I listened intently to his epic stories.

“That was jaw-dropping.”

Back in 2022, Ashley told how she felt “more connected” to her body after turning 40.

She said: “As you get older you start giving less f***s. You are more connected to yourself and wiser.

“I feel excited about the years to come because I feel better than how I felt in my twenties. Part of how I express my femininity is feeling sexy.

“It makes me sad to think about women not allowing themselves to feel that as we continue on.

“I’m like, ‘Let’s get our sassy, fierce, feminine sides out there. Let’s embrace that part of ourselves.’

“It doesn’t stop with age, right? I mean, we’ve all seen Jennifer Lopez at 52…”

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The Heart radio host displayed her long limbs while on holiday[/caption]

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The star is letting her hair down during a trip to the United Arab Emirates[/caption]

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The bath tub view from the posh hotel in Dubai[/caption]

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Gym fan Ashley made use of the hotel’s amenities[/caption]

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The star told fans she was ‘full, happy and grateful’[/caption]

THERE’S a Christmas market in the West Midlands that leaves visitors feeling like they’ve stepped into festive Victorian England.

At the Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre, stallholders dress in traditional period clothing like bonnets, lace blouses, full-length black skirts, shawls, and top hats, transporting visitors back 150 years.

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The Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre runs for four days in December[/caption]

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Christmas Fayre stallholders dress in traditional period clothing[/caption]

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There are more than 200 stalls at the Christmas fayre[/caption]

The Christmas market has been a staple part of the city’s festivities ever since it first opened in 1992.

It’s home to over 200 stalls where traders sell handmade gifts and festive treats.

While the themed traders form the bulk of the market, there are other period attractions too.

One of those is a performer dressed as Scrooge who moans his way through the crowds, daring brave Brits to approach.

Arthur Conan Doyle‘s characters Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson will be solving crimes on stilts.

The Temperance lady is another one of the characters at the market, trying to get visitors to denounce the demon drink.

Gin Lane is another attraction at the market, with performances from local actors taking place in the alleyway.

Located between New Street and The Shambles, Gin Lane will be open for visitors at set times over the weekend.

Live music and entertainment will also take place at the Cardinal’s Hat on Friar Street.

Dating back to the 14th century, the Cardinal’s Hat is Worcester’s oldest inn.

The boozer serves a range of pub snacks and real ales and also functions as a boutique hotel.

There’s also Dancefest, a pop-up dance festival, where a host of other yuletide characters, including the Temperance Lady and Mr Scrooge, will be putting on a performance or two.

Last year, funfair rides were also at the market – although it is not yet known whether they’ll be returning for 2024.

Visitors will have to plan their break carefully, because the market is only open for four days from November 28, 2024, until December 1, 2024.

The Victorian market spans several streets in Worcester, including New Street, Friar Street, Pump Street, High Street, the Cornmarket, and Cathedral Square.

Worcester Victorian Fayre announced its return earlier this year, with fans taking to Facebook to share their excitement.

One person wrote: “I’m really looking forward to the Christmas market”.

Another added: “Wouldn’t miss it”.

And last year, one couple from Stourbridge told local newspaper Worcester News: “It’s chilled out and family-friendly. There are lots of independent retailers and they are selling products for a good a price too.

“I think it is much better than Birmingham and reminiscent of the European markets.”

Worcester is a 50-minute drive from Birmingham and is a three-hour drive from London.

Visitors who drive to the market are encouraged to use the city’s park-and-ride scheme at Worcester Crowngate Bus Station to help avoid overcrowding.

Worcester’s train stations also have direct links to Birmingham Moor Street and London Paddington.

Meanwhile, this travel writer thinks their hometown has the best Christmas attraction in the UK.

A city in Germany has been dubbed “Christmas city” because it has one of the world’s oldest and most famous Christmas markets.

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Stilt walkers move through the fayre, keeping visitors entertained[/caption]

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The market is only open for four days from November 28, 2024, until December 1, 2024[/caption]

LIVERPOOL are tracking three left backs as potential long-term replacements for Andy Robertson.

The Scottish international was on the bench at the weekend, and there are question marks over how long he will be an automatic starter for the Merseysiders.

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And although new boss Arne Slot has shown faith in Kostas Tsimiskas, SunSport understands the club have made recruiting a left-back one of their key priorities.

Two players high on Liverpool’s wishlist are Fulham’s Antonee Robinson and the impressive David Raum from RB Leipzig.

Both are seen as potential first team players who could fit into Liverpool’s system.

Scouts have watched both players several times this season.

It is believed Slot is personally involved with the process and will play a key role in all future recruitment decisions.

Liverpool are also tracking Ipswich’s impressive Leif Davis, who has made a strong start to the season for The Tractor Boys despite their difficult introduction to the Premier League.

Slot believes Robertson is paying the price for playing with an injury last season but thinks he will recapture his flying form.

The Scotland captain has had a difficult start to the campaign by his lofty standards.

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Slot remains relaxed about the 30-year-old’s form, however.

Robertson sustained a serious ankle injury on international duty in March but continued to play through the pain as Liverpool chased a quadruple, before Scotland competed at Euro 2024.

He missed most of Slot’s inaugural pre-season as a consequence, including the head coach’s first games on tour in the US, leaving him playing catch-up physically and tactically.

Slot said: “I think his current situation is what you can expect if a player misses out on pre-season and a new manager comes in – you miss quite a lot.

“You have to go into a programme where you’ve missed the base tactically when it comes to us [a new management team], and physically as well.”

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This exposes some insane truths

An insider look at why everyone and their mum has taken up running and why it might not be as bad as it sounds

EMMERDALE fans were left stunned when they spotted Zak Dingle on-screen just weeks after his character’s death.

The character Zak Dingle, portrayed by Steve Halliwell since 1994, was recently written off Emmerdale after an off-screen death last month.

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But viewers think they saw him in the background in a recent episode[/caption]

In real life, actor Steve Halliwell sadly passed away in December at the age of 77.

With Zak Dingle now residing in Scotland, his sons Cain (Jeff Hordley) and Sam (James Hooton) traveled north to bring his body back to the village.

Residents gathered to bid farewell to Zak Dingle in emotional funeral scenes, which saw the return of Zak’s niece Tina Dingle (Samantha Power) after her 28-year absence.

As the Dingles adjust to their new lives without their patriarch of the family, viewers were left gobsmacked when they saw a doppelganger of Zak Dingle during the soap’s Halloween episode.

Outside The Woolpack, Charity (Emma Atkins) was talking to Ross (Mike Parr) about their kid Moses.

However, viewers were seriously distracted by an extra who had a uncanny resemblance to Zak.

Some even conspired he was Zak’s long-lost brother or his twin.

Taking to an Emmerdale Facebook fan group, one fan wrote: “Zack’s back!!”

Another added: “Omg I thought it was him too for a split second.”

A third penned: “It’s Zak’s estranged twin brother.”

Emmerdale’s production team confirmed the actor’s death by writing: “It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that Emmerdale can confirm that Steve Halliwell, our beloved Zak Dingle, has peacefully passed away.

“All our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and loved ones through this very difficult time, and we’d request that their privacy is respected as they grieve for his loss.

“Steve will forever be synonymous with Emmerdale. The proud defender and head of the Dingle family. Heart and humour in all he did, it has been and always will be impossible not to smile when you think of him.”

Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 at 7.30pm and is available on ITVX.

A MUM is facing court, after refusing to pay a fine she received due to her daughter having her ears pierced.

Helen Gent’s daughter Lucille, 14, returned after the May half-term wearing “tiny” stud earrings to Magnus Church of England Academy in Newark, Notts.

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Helen is facing court after[/caption]

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Lucille was put into isolation for wearing small stud earrings[/caption]

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Helen believes that the incident is a massive overreaction[/caption]

But the Year 10 student was told they went against uniform policy due to “health and safety issues” and she was put into isolation.

Helen said the school still refused to allow her back in class even after explaining they would need to stay in for six to eight weeks to heal and avoid the risk of infection.

The 45-year-old took her daughter out of lessons for five days to homeschool her but the teenager returned the following week wearing plastic studs.

Helen claims nobody performed a uniform check on the pupil and there were no further problems until the new school year started.

She then received a letter from the school saying as Lucille was absent for five days, they could take court action, which would jeopardise Helen’s employment.

The academy followed up by sending a letter fining Helen £60 if paid within 28 days or £120 if not paid within that period for “unauthorised absences”.

Taxi driver Helen, of Newark, said: “I said I’m not going to pay, because I didn’t take her out of lessons, that was the school’s choice and I have now received a court summons for criminal action.

“I took her to school to register for classes every single day of those five days, and they refused to let her into class.

“It was not a case of me taking her on holiday, I took her in and they refused her. How is that an unauthorised absence?

“It is just a massive overreaction – I could end up with a criminal record here all over a pair of earrings.

“My daughter loves school, is a straight A student, and has 100 per cent attendance apart from these days. I just can’t get my head around it.

“To get a letter from the CPS essentially asking if I plead guilty or not guilty for sending my daughter to school with earrings is just bizarre.”

Helen had to hire a solicitor as the case is currently in the hands of Nottinghamshire County Council Prosecution Service and she will be taken to court.

She added: “If I win the case, then, obviously, there’ll be no action but if I lose the case and the court decides that I did take her out on an unauthorised absence, then I lose and I will get a criminal record.

“I am just outraged that the result of me having a criminal record could prevent me from getting employment in the future and it could even affect the job I do currently.

“I’m a taxi driver, I work with vulnerable children and adults. I have got a clear DBS check because of working with children and adults.

“But it’s required as part of my taxi licence, if I then have a criminal record, I would have to ask permission from Newark and Sherwood District Council to set that aside so that I can continue my work as a taxi driver.

“If they decide not to do that, I would be unemployed – this is absolutely ridiculous.”

Helen says she is waiting to hear back from her solicitor and the date for her court case.

The fuming mum previously blasted the “Victorian-style authoritarian policy” as most schools and workplaces allow for simple stud earrings to be worn.

She criticised the uniform policy and branded the state-run school “sexist, archaic and irrelevant.”

Helen said: “I could not believe they were happy for her education to suffer just for wearing a single pair of tiny stud earrings.

“Forbidding a girl from accessing her education due to ear piercing is indirect sexism.

“They are making policies incompatible with human rights and anti-sexism laws. The headteacher said she could be taught in her office in isolation.

“But I think this is a safeguarding issue too, I don’t know of any school which will allow a student to be taught by any teacher by themselves behind closed doors.

“A single pair of tiny stud earrings should not be a problem. It is part of British culture and isn’t relevant to a child’s learning ability.

“It’s basically saying that piercing her ears is shameful and should be punished by removing her valuable education.

“Other schools have the common sense to realise having ear piercings doesn’t affect a child’s ability to learn.

“Even the NHS has revised its policy to allow stud earrings, because they recognise it doesn’t prevent their staff from doing their work and is not a health and safety obstacle.

“A Victorian-style dictatorial, authoritarian policy, using strict military discipline across a standard state school, that reinforces ‘do what I say and not what I do’, is not the best way to get the most out of children.”

Magnus Academy’s policy on jewellery states: “Students may wear a watch however due to health and safety issues and concerns relating to loss of valuable items, students are not allowed to wear jewellery, including earrings and piercings of any kind, during their time at the Academy.”

A Magnus Academy spokesman said: “Our uniform standards are clear and available on our website.

“These have not changed in over six years, and reminders are sent home frequently throughout the year.

“On rare occasions, and where individuals do arrive at school having not followed our uniform policy, we always give them an opportunity to correct this.

“If they do not, or cannot correct their uniform, we provide work, along with full teacher support, for them to complete elsewhere within the school.

“We do not exclude for uniform breaches, and work with families to resolve them quickly.”