THE school that stopped food campaigner Martha Payne from taking photos of her dinners has banned ball games in the playground.

Parents have been backed by Education Minister Michael Russell in questioning the health and safety move at Lochgilphead Primary School.

Defending the school's move, an Argyll and Bute Council spokeswoman said pupils were "encouraged to be active" during break and lunchtimes and that the playground was always supervised by an adult.

The spokeswoman said: "It is correct to say that ball games are not allowed in the playground. It is to guard against trips and falls. For the same reason, play on a grassy bank is not allowed during certain weather conditions.

"There is a wooden adventure trail which includes a scramble net, rope swings and balance beams."

But Mr Russell, who is SNP MSP for Argyll and Bute, said: "A bit of common sense should surely allow the school to find a way to allow kids to do what kids all over the world are doing every hour of every day. The odd scraped knee is not going to deter them, I am sure."