Parents have been left fuming after receiving a "rude" text from a headteacher about school dinner money debts.
The text was sent at the start of the new term by John Cannon, head of Ysgol Bryn Hedydd in Rhyl.
The message, entitled school dinner debts, said: "Whilst I appreciate it isn't the best time of year, can you please make every effort to pay off your dinner debts.
"As a school this currently stands at £850 and we DO NOT offer a credit system for meals.
"You wouldn't go into Asda and ask to pay next week or even next month. Mr Cannon."
Sharing the text on social media, one parent commented: "Is this a joke?" - reports North Wales Live.
Another said: "I can't believe head teachers these days. This is so rude and in your face."
One mum added: "I thought the way the text was worded was very rude. You don't expect that from a head teacher."
Last October, the school - which is more than 50% above capacity - hit the headlines after it emerged it was suffering financial challenges with some children having to be taught in a converted bus since 2012.
Despite being built for 290 pupils, it currently has 472 and yet was still asked to make savings of £40,000.
The Parent Teachers Association called on Denbigshire Council to reverse the cuts who said it was a "national issue."
John Cannon, headteacher of Ysgol Brynhedydd, said: “The majority of parents/guardians pay on time and we thank them for this.
"However, currently 35% of parents/ guardians have a school meal debt and this is £850...this is a cost that can be borne by the school unless it is paid.
"We regularly remind parents of the need to clear any school meal debts and the reminder issued via text resulted in £250 of the debt being cleared immediately.
"We regularly inform parents that there’s the option for free school meals if any are struggling to pay.
"What we would emphasise clearly is that no child would ever go without a school meal."
