A nine-year-old boy from the Isle of Wight has spoken of his upset and "frustration" after his school said it could not authorise his visit to a "one-off" D-Day event in Portsmouth.

Broadlea Primary School in Sandown told the parents of pupil Jack Sheath it understands he will still be attending, but the visit will be marked as an 'unauthorised absence' as per government guidance.

The school said the family would not be issued with a fine.

Jack's parents asked to take their son out of school so he could attend the commemoration with his father, Phil.

Jack's late grandfather and Phil's dad, Leonard Sheath, served in the Royal Navy during D-Day and the pair want to pay their respects to him and other veterans.

Isle of Wight County Press: From left: Phillip and son Jack.From left: Phillip and son Jack. (Image: IWCP)

Having contacted the school for permission, Jack's parents were told the absence does not meet the criteria for 'exceptional circumstances' set out by government.

Jack's father, Phil Sheath, 65, told the County Press: "We were shocked and angry and it just boiled my blood.

"We demanded a meeting with the headteacher who explained that if it was a funeral, wedding or a graduation of a sibling then it would be exceptional."

In an email sent to Phil and seen by the County Press, Broadlea headteacher Lynn Torrance said she appreciates the decision to mark the trip as unauthorised is 'disappointing', but understands the importance of him attending.

"I hope that you both really enjoy the commemorative event and we will look forward to hearing all about it from Jack", she said.

Isle of Wight County Press: Leonard Sheath and his medals, hanging proudly on Phillip's wall.Leonard Sheath and his medals, hanging proudly on Phillip's wall. (Image: IWCP)

As well as King Charles III and Queen Camilla, around 900 school pupils have been invited to attend the event on Wednesday, June 5.

But Jack said he will be "the one kid going who isn't allowed to".

"It's probably going to be the last event where some of these veterans will be going", he said.

"It's not the school's fault but the fact it's not in the guidelines makes me angry."

A spokesperson for the Isle of Wight Council said: "While the decision to authorise an absence is made by individual headteachers, Department for Education guidance is that absence from school, other than for illness, should only be authorised in exceptional circumstances.”