PARENTS have accused primary school governors of over-reacting after they banned the photographing and filming of school plays.

Stokesley Primary School sent out consent forms to all parents asking if they were happy for other parents to take pictures or videos of children's performances which took place on Thursday of last week.

Though most said yes, some did not want their children photographed so the school declared an outright ban.

One parent, who did not wish to be named, said: "Most of the parents are gutted.

"We were told that our children could take their costumes home so that they could be photographed, but that's not the same. I know there is a fear of paedophiles, but the governors have taken it to the extreme. There's now talk that the school group photograph at the end of term could be affected as well."

Headteacher Nigel Snow said every school had been issued with guidelines from the education authority and it was up to individual schools and governors how they acted on them.

He said: "At our school, we are consulting with parents and no decision has been made.

"However, in the interim, because some parents have said they do not wish their child to be photographed, the governors have decided not to allow photographs or videos, though that is not to say that will be the final decision of the governing body."

Several messages were left at the home of Doug Elphee, chairman of the governors, but he did not contact the D&S Times before this edition went to press.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire County Council said: "The guidelines issued by the local education authority about photography and video equipment follows Government advice on data protection and human rights legislation.

"Following full consultation with parents, the governors at each school have to decide what that policy is.We understand that some parents do feel upset about the decision, but the views of every parent must be taken into account as well."