A school in Devon has effectively banned elementary pupils from donning angel wings during nativity plays citing health and safety reasons.

The headmistress of Sacred Heart , RC Primary in Paignton, Devon, Linda Mitchell said the order was made for fear that the angel wings could catch on fire from the children carrying candles in the play.

"It is to do with health and safety. You have to be so careful nowadays," said Mitchell.

"If the children are carrying candles there's a danger if they turn suddenly."

"Last year we had wings made from cardboard and flammable material, some children got scratched," the headmistress added. "The other teachers agreed it was sensible not to have wings."