Two dozen secondary school pupils went out of school on Friday to join a protest against climate change in Aberystwyth, despite claims that attempts were made by one school to block students leaving.

Some pupils from Ysgol Penglais in Aberystwyth who wanted to join the protest were not allowed to leave the premises after not receiving parental permission, it is understood.

The event was held along with similar protests of schoolchildren throughout the UK including one outside parliament.

The Youth Strike 4 Climate, organised by the UK Student Climate Network, attracted tens of thousands of teenagers to protests across the country.

One mother of a protester said her daughter was being held in school at Penglais and not being allowed to leave despite having permission to do so.

Anna Bullen told the Cambrian News that she was forced to phone the school and the council several times after her daughter was not allowed to leave and join the protest outside Ceredigion council and Welsh Government buildings at Canolfan Rheidol planned for 11am.

“The pupils are being physically forced to stay at the school, with the school claiming there is no event on,” she told the Cambrian News on Friday.

“It’s ridiculous. They are the event.

“They have every right to protest.

“I have given my permission in writing and on the phone for her to attend.

“It is a complete suppression of free speech and the rights of our young people.”

In a letter to parents ahead of the planned protest, Penglais headteacher Mair Hughes said the school “will not be authorising any absences for students to attend the protest”.

Those with parental permission were subsequently allowed to leave the school early in the afternoon.

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