AN Eastleigh school is one of two in Hampshire that have banned parents from video recording their children's nativity plays for fear of paedophiles getting hold of the images.

The first the children's relatives knew of the policy at Eastleigh's Shakespeare Infant School and Cupernham Infant School, Romsey, was when they arrived to see their young ones take to the stage.

They were told by the head teachers that they should not use video cameras.

Shakespeare school introduced the ban because it said it could not be sure of who would get hold of the pictures.

Eastleigh MP David Chidgey said: "It is a sad day when it comes to the fact that we can't keep photos of our children.

"I can understand the teaching staff's concern, particularly with the announcement of 1,200 paedophiles being arrested.

"But if we are not careful we end up by punishing the potential victims rather than the offenders. It is like saying put all women in prison to prevent rape."

Shakespeare head teacher Jane Skinner said: "We thought it was right to be cautious. The worst-case scenario is that somebody would use that image in an improper way."

Ms Skinner told relatives of the new policy before the performances started.

Parents were allowed to take photographs of their own children in costume after the performance.

Ms Skinner explained that she made the decision in the interests of her 235 pupils, who are aged between four and seven.

Today she said: "Everything we do is for the security of the children. Video bans are becoming increasingly common in primary schools across the country."

The county council recently told all primary school heads they could make their own decisions on video cameras. Staff video recorded the three Christmas plays and will loan the video to parents.

Ms Skinner said she would be reviewing the ban for next year and is considering introducing a ticket-only policy so that the school would know exactly who attends any play.

Reaction among parents at the school gates today was generally supportive, although Graham Allen, of Haddon Drive, Boyatt Wood, said he had arrived early with his camera especially to get a good view of his five-year-old daughter Tyler's nativity performance.

"It was pretty disappointing for us. I can understand it, but a bit of forethought would have prepared us," he commented.

Jackie Hebbes of Boyatt Wood said: "I do understand why you have to do it in this day and age. It is just very unfortunate."

She suggested that a security system for people wanting to use cameras next year would be worth thinking about.

Peter Crook of Boyatt Wood said: "It was a good decision to protect the children. I have a four-year-old girl who was in the play and I enjoyed watching."

Pauline Moss, of Mountbatten Road, loaned the school her camcorder to record the plays so that films could be loaned to parents. She said: "I can understand why they did it."

You may not be allowed video the youngsters but to see pictures of the full cast at the schools' Christmas performances see our 24-page Nativity Special free inside today's Daily Echo.