TWO pupils have been expelled from Worcester's oldest school for "involvement" in taking cannabis.

Another eight pupils at the Royal Grammar School have been suspended until after half-term following the discovery, it was revealed today.

Worcester police confirmed officers had been called to The Tything school yesterday by staff to "assist with an internal investigation".

Headmaster Walter Jones said the students had been dealt with, but added the drug-taking had not gone on at the school site.

"Two boys have left the Royal Grammar School and another eight have been suspended until after half-term following their involvement in the taking of cannabis," he said in a carefully-worded statement.

"While this event did not occur on school premises, nor during school hours, the Royal Grammar School will not accept this type of behaviour.

"We're working closely with the parents of the eight suspended boys to ensure there is no repetition, nor desire to repeat, this type of conduct.

"RGS Worcester is committed to a programme of education to encourage its pupils to explore all the issues concerning the use of illegal drugs."

It was not known how old the pupils were, or when the incident happened. The school also declined to comment on where it took place.

Mr Jones said today that the school had no plans to release further details in order "to protect the privacy of the individuals concerned".

The Grammar School was founded in 1291 and was granted its "royal" title by Queen Victoria.

In March, the school announced plans to go fully co-educational, with girls joining the upper school as soon as September next year.