A SOUTHAMPTON headmaster says he has no plans to cut end- of-year treats at theme parks in the wake of several of his students getting trapped on a white-knuckle ride yesterday.

Sixteen youngsters from Oaklands School, Lordshill, were left dangling upside down 60ft off the ground from Rameses Revenge at Chessington World of Adventure in Surrey.

They were stuck for a few minutes before the gondola was righted. They were then lowered to the ground, before being released.

Two children from the school suffered mild asthma attacks and were examined by ambulance crews as a precaution but quickly recovered from their ordeal.

Ian Davies, 32, the master in charge of the outing, said a colleague told him what had happened. "He said they were okay. There were about 16 on the ride. By the time I got there, everyone was clear and off the ride. There was no commotion when I got there. They were already queuing for other rides. They were shaken but not stirred.

"They said they had been stuck on the ride for a couple of minutes. They were showing gifts they had been given - free tickets and one had a video - and they had priority passes to other attractions.''

Mr Davies said that when the students got back to Southampton, they were asking: 'When can we go next year?'

Oaklands lay on end-of-year outings to Chessington three years out of every four, otherwise they go to Alton Towers.

Headmaster Dr Peter Hollis was not on the trip but today spoke of his relief at hearing no one had been injured.

"Chessington handled the situation very well. The children were very keen as they got off the bus last night to go again and I'm sure there will still be a big demand for these trips.

"We will have to talk to the governors and parents will be consulted whether they want to sign up in future.''