GAZETTE & HERALD: Headteacher Trisha Shubrook has defended her decision to ban large balls from the playground of Abbeyfield School, Chippenham.

Footballs and rugby balls must be a size three or smaller and can only be used within the tennis courts. Larger balls, the normal size being five, will be confiscated.

If pupils wish to play with balls in the playground areas they must be tennis balls only.

"We hope that this will still give the students the opportunity to play ball games and reduce the opportunity for accidents," said Mrs Shubrook.

The decision was made by governors following advice from health and safety officials at Wiltshire County Council.

The school approached the council for advice after a number of pupils received minor injuries resulting from students playing with footballs and rugby balls.

Parent Lisa McCulloch said she understood the school's decision.

"I can see what they are saying about some of the balls, as the kids bring in rugby balls and basketballs and it can possibly get a bit out of hand. But I don't think they should get rid of them completely," she said.

A spokesman from the Children's Play Council said schools increasingly feared that parents could sue them if a child is injured in their playground.