An Australian Catholic school has refused to admit a student because his last name is "Hell".

St. Peter Apostle School in Melbourne told Max Hell that he would only be admitted if he used his mother's maiden name.

Alex Hell, the boys father, initially agreed, but had a change of heart when signing the enrollment forms.

"We're quite devastated by the whole thing. So what if I've got a name like Hell? That's my family history and my name," said Mr. Hell, whose name means "light" in German. "It's 2007, not 1407 - it's not the Dark Ages."

The Hells wanted to transfer Max to the school because he was being bullied in public school over his peculiar last name. The Catholic School would only admit Max if he used his mother's maiden name of Wembridge.

For Alex, this was unacceptable. "I've had enough. I was ridiculed as a child," he said. I want him to be accepted as Max Hell, but obviously he's not."

Story filed: 09:40 Tuesday 10th July 2007