London: 

Proud to be A punjabi: Sarika Watkins-Singh outside the High Court in London yesterday, after winning her case. pic/ap

A 14-year-old Sikh girl has won her discrimination claim against her school after it expelled her for breaking its "no jewellery" rule.

Sarika Watkins-Singh, from south Wales, was expelled by Aberdare Girls' School in November 2007 for refusing to take off her religious bangle.

A High Court judge in London ruled on the controversial matter after reserving judgement last month.

Sarika says the Kara bangle  is important to her as it is a symbol of her Sikh faith.

As a result of the judgment, Sarika is allowed to return to the school in September, wearing the kara.

Her lawyers had told the judge that the kara was as important to her as it was to England spin bowler Monty Panesar, who has been pictured wearing the bangle.

"I just want to say that I am a proud Welsh and Punjabi Sikh girl," Singh said after the verdict.