Ref. 28180-38PARENT power persuaded one of Swindon's newest schools to lift a ban on filming their children's first nativity play.

The ban was imposed at Bridlewood Primary School, after two parents apparently objected to video cameras being used at tomorrow's performances.

But 40 parents later signed a petition saying they wanted to film their children's first nativity.

Gary Wallage and his wife Catherine, whose son Harrison, aged four, is in the choir, were so upset they organised a petition hoping to overturn the decision by head teacher Jane Rodbourn.

And it appeared to have worked yesterday, when they heard the school, in Chartwell Road, Abbey Meads, was lifting the ban.

"It has all been sorted out now and everybody is very happy," said Mr Wallage. "They have dealt with the situation properly."

More than 40 people signed the petition at the school, which opened earlier this year and only has 51 pupils on the roll.

News of the ban surfaced as it was revealed that the Essex education authority had told its schools that photographing nativity plays should not be allowed unless all parents involved gave written consent.

Schools in Hampshire and Birmingham have also instituted a ban.

After the Bridlewood ban was announced Mr Wallage contacted other parents and discovered most of them were as perplexed as he was.

"This is my oldest child's first nativity play and I've never been to one before," he said.

"I asked him if he wanted to see himself in it afterwards and he was very excited."

When a letter arrived saying that video cameras could not be Mr Wallage was stunned.

"I hadn't thought that anyone would object," he said.

He spent the next two days talking to other parents and the chairman of the governors.

He found many parents were as angry as he was.

One child's father was away working in Poland, while another was serving in Iraq. Unless their families were allowed to video the play, both would miss seeing their child's first nativity, he said.

"This also sets a precedent for things like school sports days and award ceremonies.

"I can sympathise with the head teacher and I appreciate that there is a lot of concern, but you can only protect children so far and common sense needs to apply.

Swindon Council spokeswoman Hellen Barnes said a panel of the governors was due to meet last night to discuss guidelines for the school.

"The governors have listened to the parents' concerns.

"This Local Education Authority's guidance to schools is that photography should be allowed in schools if it is for personal and domestic purposes.

"This is in line with the government act for school events."

Tina Clarke