MONMOUTH schoolgirl Samantha Watkins' world was turned upside down when she thought she had cancer.

However, a series of tests delivered the best news - it was just a scare.

But it was enough for Samantha, 15, from Goytre, to gain an interest in cancer research, and she took on the latest trend of wearing a yellow wristband in support.

But her school, Monmouth Comprehensive, has banned her from wearing it because it is deemed a health and safety hazard.

Teachers fear the bands will get caught up in equipment and have now told pupils the bands are no longer welcome in school.

Samantha, who discovered a lump in her breast which later turned out to be a benign cyst, is angry she can't wear the band, made famous by Tour de France hero and former cancer sufferer Lance Armstrong.

She said: "Finding the lump was scary. I was in the shower when I found it, and at 14 it was a bit of a shock and I was worried about it until I found out it was a benign cyst.

"That is why I am supporting these charities now and why they are so important to me.

"Personally I think the ban is disgusting. I think it is important at our age that we are supporting charities."

Frank Lampard and David Beckham are among celebrities supporting the yellow band.

Samantha also wore a white band in honour of the Poverty Should be History charity.

Carole Anderson, head teacher, said she was pleased that pupils were supporting the charities, but the bands could no longer be worn.

She said: "They work in environments like laboratories and workshops where they could cause health and safety risks."

But Samantha's mother, Heidi, said the school was not encouraging youngsters to support charity.

She said: "She doesn't wear jewellery, apart from the bands, and the school should be encouraging children to support charities.

"I am annoyed and upset because it is lovely they want to support them."