AN AMBULANCE was called to Bournemouth beach on Monday as schoolchildren took part in sports day activities on the hottest day of the year.

Parents of youngsters at St Michael's CE Primary School claim children felt faint and sick due to the 30C heat during the event.

But headteacher Bob Kennedy said the event was limited to an hour-and-a-half to ensure children didn't get too hot.

One mum, who doesn't want to be named by the Daily Echo, said: "The school does the sports day ever year at the hottest time of day.

"As we were leaving, an ambulance arrived for one child who was struggling and being looked after by lifeguards.

"Others were hot and being ill on the beach."

She said some parents doused their children in water to try and keep them cool.

"Elderly relatives were suffering too," she said.

"They need to rethink how they do it as they carried on regardless. It should have been called off.

"No shade was provided and the kids were in the heat the entire time.

"It's ridiculous - some parents keep their children off school so they don't have to do it. Parents worry about it every year."

Children walked to the beach from the school in Somerville Road. Many also walked back after participating in sports events.

Mr Kennedy said an ambulance was called to the beach as a precaution.

"The school has run its sports day on the beach for a number of years, and it has proved to be a popular location with children and parents," he said.

"Given the recent spell of hot weather, children and parents were reminded to wear hats and apply sun cream and the event was limited to 90 minutes.

"One pupil complained of feeling faint during the event and staff called an ambulance as a precautionary measure.

"I am pleased to say that the pupil was fine and went home with her mother."