PUPILS from a Bromsgrove school saw their World Cup dream turn into a nightmare, after they never received their match tickets.

The party of 43 students and six teachers from North Bromsgrove High School jetted over to Germany last Thursday (June 15) and were expecting to watch the Group E match between the Czech Republic and Ghana at the weekend.

The school booked the World Cup package through a company called Activ4, with the children paying around £400 each.

The company booked them tickets for the match through suppliers Tickets For All, but realised they had been victims of a scam when their bank notified them of fraudulent activity.

North Bromsgrove was one of 11 schools that were promised tickets for the match.

A statement from Activ4 said: "It is with great regret that our business, and therefore our customers, have been made victim of an international ticket scam for the FIFA World Cup 2006.

"Late afternoon, on Friday, June 16, our company was made aware of the scam involving Tickets For All, one of our suppliers for World Cup ticketing.

"Police in both the UK and Germany were immediately notified and our understanding is that both parties quickly began investigations into the matter on behalf of the companies and individuals that have been defrauded.

"Activ4 is outraged by this callous act of fraud and will continue to offer the police our full cooperation in their respective investigations."

Deputy headteacher Andrew Macereth said the pupils remained in good spirits despite the disappointment.

"We are very disappointed for the young people from our school.

"What should have been the experience of a lifetime turned into a nightmare.

"However, the kids are in good spirits and the teachers have worked very hard to keep them happy."

Prime Minister Tony Blair and Portsmouth Football Club are attempting to put a smile back on the faces of the children, both vowing to try and get them tickets for another tournament game.