An atheist has spoken of his dismay after being sidelined from discussions on how religion is taught in schools.

Mr Edmondson, a humanist, believes people can lead their lives without religion and use reason to explain the world and solve problems.

"They failed to understand that humanism is the voice of reason, necessary to balance supernatural beliefs. Our children should be given a choice in schools and not railroaded into believing one thing or another.

"It is appalling that children in West Sussex are not taught that there is an alternative to religion. There is nothing stopping any school from teaching non-religious views. Schools should surely try to encourage reason."