A Crayford schoolgirl has been refused a place at a secondary school she can see from her own bedroom window.

Shannon Gunning, 11, of Iron Mill Lane, selected Haberdashers’ Aske’s Crayford Academy as her choice of senior school for September which is a two minute walk from her family home.

But when the letter came through the door Shannon was left devastated when she found out she had allocated a place at Erith School in Avenue Road which is three miles away.

Shannon's annoyed dad Paul Gunning, 49, told News Shopper: "It seems ridiculous that my daughter cannot go the school she can see from her own window.

"I could throw a stone from my doorstep and could hit the school gate with it.

"When making the choice for Shannon's secondary school we only put down Haberdashers’ Aske’s Crayford Academy because it's on our road.

"I don't see why my little girl should have to get two buses to school each way when there is a good school within walking distance."

Mr Gunning explained that Shannon was not very "streetwise" and rarely goes out on her own.

He added: "If Shannon was forced to go to Erith School my partner Kerry would have to take her for the first year and because she doesn't drive the bus would cost about £800 for a year.

"Kerry would also have to give up work in the mornings because she wouldn't be able to fulfil her duties as a carer for Avanti."

The family say they will be appealing the decision and are taking special advice on appeal procedures.

A spokesman for Haberdashers’ Aske’s Crayford Academy said: "We are very sorry to hear that Miss Gunning did not receive a place at Haberdashers’ Aske’s Crayford Academy.

"We know that finding the right school for a child is very important and that this is a stressful time for parents.

"We cannot comment on individual cases, nor on the admissions policies of other schools in the London Borough of Bexley.

"Haberdashers’ Aske’s Crayford Academy is heavily oversubscribed and we are scrupulous in following a fair admissions policy, which is available on our website.’

The school also confirmed that nine children are applying for every one place at the school.