AN ASTLEY mum is fuming because her nine-years-old daughter was sent home from school after a teacher spotted head lice in her hair.

She claims she has been fighting a losing two year battle to keep her child's head clear, but she is continuously being re-infested.

Now a group of parents, who four years ago campaigned for the return of the "nit nurse", are again calling for the position to be re-instated to help clear up the problem.

The mum, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: "I was so furious when I was told to collect my daughter from school.

"I have been fighting for two years to stop infestations. It is ridiculous. The only time the problem clears up is during the school holidays.

"We have tried before to have specialist nurses again but were told the council couldn't afford it."

A council spokesman said: "The nit nurse no longer exists. Each school should have access to a school nurse who does the same duties and head inspections. The only difference is she does not do house calls.

"Parents can't keep children away from school because lice is an easily treatable condition, and if advice is followed they should be easy to get rid of."

"All we can do is ask all parents to follow treatment advice to the letter because it is not fair on others if they don't. Unfortunately we can't wave a magic wand to make them disappear."