YOUNG athletes in South East Kent are planning to demonstrate at the Kent Schools Championships at the Julie Rose Stadium in Ashford on Saturday after being told they cannot compete due to an administrative error.

As many as 15 pupils from across the Dover and Deal area, including two medal prospects Roanna Hamilton and Amy Hill-Turner, are affected after the district missed the deadline for entries.

Amy, 14, a pupil at Sir Roger Manwood’s School won a bronze medal in the 800 metres last year, but is not even being allowed to run as a guest.

She said: "I took part in the championships last year and quite unexpectedly got a medal, so any of these athletes stands a chance, but they have had it taken it away from them.

"We also haven’t been told officially that we’re not competing by anyone, but only been informed by other angry pupils and parents. When were going to be told? Were they going to let us turn up for our events and let us all down on the day?"

She has since received an e-mail from Kent Schools official Geoff Snell telling her that she wouldn’t be able to run, but if she felt she was good enough for Kent selection to contact the committee.

Amy’s father John added: "All the people who have allowed this to happen are teachers, as such they should have put the interests of the athletes before their own petty rules and deadlines. The situation was picked up very early, and but for bloody-mindedness, South East Kent could easily have been allowed to compete."

Fellow pupil Roanna the indoor and outdoor girls Under-15 county champion in the 75m hurdles said: "I am gutted to be only allowed to enter as a guest, although I am least able to do that, unlike many other excellent athletes from this area."

Mum Sue was even more outspoken saying: "I am fuming about the whole thing, and it has been a complete and utter shambles.

"Considering we are being asked to look forward to the 2012 Olympics, let’s hope none of these Kent officials are involved in the organisation and selection of athletes.

Two other Dover athletes unable to compete are runner Romain Dennison who also attends Sir Roger Manwood’s and hammer thrower Visar Beqiri, from Dover Grammar School.