London, Dec 11: Christmas is often associated with Santa Claus, get-togethers, stockings and gifts, but many children in a British primary school were left heartbroken after their substitute teacher told them that Father Christmas is "not for real".

The class of 25 pupils, all seven-year-olds, were in tears when the supply teacher told them that Santa Father Christmas is not real.

It was when the class was talking about Christmas and the excited youngsters got rowdy, that the teacher gave them the shocker.

"It's your parents who leave out presents on Christmas Day," The Telegraph quoted the supply as saying.

The class of seven-year-olds at the Blackshaw Lane Primary School, Royton, near Oldham, Greater Manchester burst into tears and told their parents when they got home.

And when the parents complained about the incident, the school sent them a letter saying the teacher has been disciplined over the gaffe.

"My son came home and said that his substitute teacher had told the class that Santa doesn''t exist and it''s your mum and dad that put out presents for them," said one father.

He added: "Apparently, they were all talking about Christmas and being a bit rowdy. She just came straight out with it.

"My lad was nearly in tears and so was everyone else in the class - especially as it was so close to Christmas. I thought it was wrong. He was distraught about it. He''s only seven-years-old and it''s part of the magic of Christmas to him. We told him that she did not believe in Father Christmas because of her religion and he''s fine now.

"I found it shocking. She has done it maliciously. A lot of parents were disgusted and complained to the school. If she was a regular teacher then I think a lot more would have been done."

Meanwhile, Angela McCormick, the headteacher, refused to comment on the incident.

Oldham Council''s service director for children, young people and families, Janet Doherty, said: "This is a matter for the individual school to resolve. We have every confidence that the head will deal with it sensitively and appropriately." (ANI)