THREE pupils were caught smoking cannabis at Temple School in Strood, it has emerged. All three Year 10 boys were initially excluded from the school but are now back in class after the incident last month.

Ward councillor Tom Mason said he was disturbed that drugs had been brought into the school. He stressed: "It is very disturbing that young people have access to this sort of stuff. It is unfortunate, sad and very regrettable that this sort of thing can happen in any school.

"We, as the local education authority, regularly teach the harmful effects of drugs and the damage they can do to people's health. It can ruin lives at a very early age."

Head teacher Neil McAree and chairman of governors Gordon Fox said in a statement: "It is normal practice to review our policy after every exclusion. Temple, like many schools across the country, has had to make clear its response to pupils bringing drugs on to the premises. This matter was dealt with by the school in accordance with its drugs policy and a very small amount of cannabis was involved.

"Any possession, use or transaction of drugs on school premises should lead to exclusion."

A Medway Council spokesman said: "The council is supportive of Temple School's drugs policy. We work with all schools in Medway to ensure there are effective policies."