Marlborough College has denied it took a leaf out of Scrooge's book and cancelled Christmas celebrations for grounds staff this year.

The Gazette received an e-mail from a college worker, who asked not to be named, saying: "Christmas in the estate department of Marlborough College is cancelled this year for the first time in over 20 years.

"In the past we had parties, drinks, skittles, darts and prize draws, even a football match, but for the first time there was nothing organised, not even a glass of sherry."

The writer acknowledged staff were allowed to leave work at 12.30pm instead of 4pm and were all given a £15 Waitrose voucher. "Wow," he added.

Estate bursar Simon Eveleigh said Christmas celebrations were not possible this year because not everyone finished work on the same day.

Gardening staff finished on December 19 while the building and maintenance staff worked until December 23.

"There is not much for the gardeners to do at this time of year so they finished earlier than the others," said Mr Eveleigh. "We usually have something when we all finish at the same time but that was not possible this year."

However, said Mr Eveleigh, there will be a party and drinks for the department's staff at Easter when they all finish work on the same day.