A school has backed down after it uninvited a Ukip prospective MP to talk to pupils.

David Little, who hopes to stand for the Dover and Deal constituency, was told that parents of children at Castle Community College in Deal and Walmer threatened to picket the school if the Dover businessman talked politics with their kids.

But now, the school's management has made different arrangements and re-invited Mr Little to attend a forum with candidates from all parties.

Before the situation was resolved, he said: "What do they think I'm going to do? Set fire to their kids?"

The father of two grown up children added: "We are a legitimate political party. We've got members of Parliament, members of European Parliament, we've got councillors across the UK."

In a statement today, head of school Jane Hadlow said: “This was never a political decision.

"We are keen to have an open question-and-answer discussion between all the parties in front of our sixth-formers and Mr Little was initially invited to take part.

"Our only concern was the safety of pupils, and we are pleased that our new plan will enable the debate to take place safely in a controlled environment enabling inclusive access to all politicians attending the day."

Earlier, MP for Deal and Dover Charlie Elphicke (Con) had said: "It's really important to remember the values of our White Cliffs: On one hand there's free speech. Yet they stand as a hallowed ground as a warning against extremism and hate.

"I think its very important that all views are listened to. It's important that people see there is a choice: Extremism and hate from Ukip and hope and the future from us."

Mr Little, who owns Graphic Images printing company in Castle Street, Dover, had a similar experience when he sponsored a match at Dover Athletic under the Ukip banner.

Supporters threatened to boycott the match against Forest Green on November 22, so the sponsor details were changed to David Little and Friends.

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