Mother's anger after son cast as monkey in school play

Ashley Down Infant School is facing an investigation into accusations of ‘blatant racism’ – after casting two black children as monkeys.

Seven-year-old Myles Rees told his parents that he and his friend, who are of African origin, were turned down for the roles of hunters in the production, which tells the story of a mythical island inhabited by exotic animals.

Instead they were told they would be playing monkeys.

The two boys are the only black children in the 60-strong Year Two at the school, in Bristol.