A school is under fire after a pupil with cystic fibrosis was given a detention by a teacher for failing to take his coat off because he was cold.

James Delaney, 12, a pupil at Thornton Grammar School, was given the punishment after he kept his coat on when he arrived for classes soaked to the skin after walking in heavy rain.

The detention was only rescinded when his angry mum Tracy Woodhead complained that it was unjustified.

She said: "It was pouring with rain and James had walked to school in only a rain jacket. He was still cold when he was in class."

Mrs Woodhead of Northcliffe Drive, Thornton, added: "James has had a lot of health problems.

"I think it's all wrong. I was so shocked.

"If he was swearing or something I would have agreed but I think giving him a detention is going overboard.

"I think he should have been warned first. He has a lot on his mind.

"He has to be up at 6.15 every morning to take 13 tablets - he does get tired."

A Thornton Grammar School spokesman said: "We have got the matter resolved and James will not be sitting a detention."

Mrs Woodhead said she believed the decision would not have been reversed had she not contacted the Telegraph & Argus.

She said: "I rang the school continuously for two or three days and no-one got back to me.

"There was no communication. Had I been contacted sooner I would not have got the T&A involved.

"I am not saying that he has to be treated differently because of his cystic fibrosis but a detention is going too far.

"He has never been in trouble before and he has never had a detention. His reports are always excellent."

James takes a total of 32 tablets a day to keep his condition in check and has undergone three major operations since birth.

Mrs Woodhead added: "The teacher who contacted me was very nice and very apologetic and said James would not have to do the detention.

"But I don't think James should have been given a detention for this in the first place."

e-mail: dan.webber@bradford.newsquest.co.uk