THE number of Barnsley children taught in class sizes of more than 30 has rocketed by 553 per cent in four years, Barnsley East MP Michael Dugher has revealed.

Figures show there were only 93 infant school pupils in large classes across Barnsley in 2010 but this year that number has shot to 607.

Mr Dugher blamed the government, which relaxed rules on infant class sizes after coming to power, and called for an end to the 'free schools' policy and instead to find funding for new schools in the areas of greatest need.

Coun Tim Cheetham, Barnsley Council's spokesman on schools, agreed finding the money was a major problem.

** The full story appears in the Barnsley Chronicle, dated September 5. **