PARENTS at a kent primary school have been banned from recording their children's Nativity play.

No video recorders were allowed into the play at St Thomas' Catholic Primary School, Canterbury, this year for fear that the pictures may end up in the hands of paedophiles on the Internet.

But one parent, who did not want to be named, said: "This is political correctness gone mad. Of course parents support protection of children but this is excessive.

"I could understand stopping people from recording swimming or gym lessons but for a Nativity play it is madness - where will it stop? These are special moments that families want to record and cherish."

Headteacher William Kelly said he asked parents to put their video cameras away on the advice of Kent County Council. He added:

"Some parents had expressed concerns about their children being videoed after hearing reports on the radio that other schools had banned video cameras.

"I telephoned KCC for their view and they advised against allowing videos in. I feel it's a shame that videoing children should be a reason for concern but I have to respond to parents' concerns."

Some parents took still images of the Nativity play using traditional film or digital cameras. Other schools in the district have allowed parents to video school events but would not permit strangers to do so.