SALE High School has defended its reaction to a pupil turning up to  its World Book Day celebrations dressed as the lead character from the steamy hit movie Fifty Shades of Grey.

Liam Scholes, 11, attended the event as Christian Grey - but the school insisted he was able to fully take part in the WBD event after his costume had been "modified."

A spokesman said: "The school stands by the decision it made yesterday in relation to the costume worn by one of its students to World Book Day.

"The decision reflects the school's high standards in terms of student behaviour, welfare and safeguarding.

"The student was not excluded from taking part in any of the activities as has been wrongly reported, his costume was modified and he was then able to fully participate and enjoy the day with his peers.

"The aim of our world book day events was to celebrate and encourage reading and we are disappointed that what was a fantastic day for our students, has been marred by this issue."