WILTSHIRE looks set to follow the rest of the country's schools when they change to a six-term year.

A recommendation by the Local Government Association is that schools eventually change from the usual five to six term.

Wiltshire County Council chairman Peter Chalke said there was widespread support for the changes throughout tourism and industry and local authorities too would be asked for their backing.

"There are not massive differences. Exams will be earlier in the summer thus avoiding hay fever season, but there appears to be no regard for Easter," said Coun Chalke.

If Easter falls in term time students across the county will be given the Good Friday and Easter Monday as bank Holidays.

In a report to the county council's cabinet, Coun Jane Scott, portfolio holder for education, said this scenario would only happen twice every ten years.

She said the education authority had consulted schools about the matter some two years ago and the majority came out in favour of the six-term year.

Coun William Snow said he thought the changes were just another way to downgrade religion in the UK. "Easter is the biggest festival. This is another stab at the church, but I guess if it only comes around twice every ten years it won't cause that much inconvenience."

Wiltshire will be pushed to take a lead in supporting the changes.