Samantha Devine was reprimanded for wearing a crucifix chain to school

Samantha Devine, 13, from Gillingham, Kent, was given the cross as a Christmas present.

But she was told to remove it by teachers at The Robert Napier School.

Samantha said she should be allowed to wear a symbol of Christian belief, but the school insisted it had a no jewellery policy for her age group.

Lapel badge

Samantha argued: "Everyone says they believe in God by going to church, but I believe in him my own way.

"If I've got a problem, I always get it [the crucifix] and talk to it, and I feel that helps me."

Paul Jackson, deputy head teacher at the non-denominational school, said it was a health and safety issue.

"We haven't told her she can't wear the crucifix... she could wear a lapel badge to show her commitment to her religion," he said.

Kent MP Ann Widdecombe, herself a devout Christian who wears a cross, said she found that to be a "reasonable compromise".

"The school has said she can wear her symbol... so it's not actually preventing her from displaying a cross or a crucifix," Ms Widdecombe said.