School pupils refused to take part in a balloon release organised by their parents because they were concerned for the welfare of sea creatures.

The environmentally-aware children, from Prestonpans Infant and Nursery School, in East Lothian, feared the balloons could have choked dolphins, turtles and other marine life once deflated.

Now the summer event planned by the Parent Teacher Association to raise money for a new school picnic table has been shelved after pupils complained.

The school will now hold a car-boot sale to raise funds instead.

The primary school, which has already won a bronze award from the Eco Schools programme, has now decided to implement a permanent ban on the controversial balloon races.

Helen Gardyne, acting headteacher, said: "We told the children what happened to balloons when they were released and what happened to animals that swallowed them.

"Instead of saying we will not do it, we said we will never do it, and we will be amending our school's environmental statement to include it."

After finding out about the impact the race could have on local wildlife, the keen eco-warriors, aged between three and eight, stunned parents and teachers with their protest against the plans.

Primary one pupil Shannon Hodgekiss, five, said: "We kill the dolphins and fish with the balloons.

"We are sad not to have a balloon race but it would be silly to kill them. We want to look after the animals so we'll hold on to the balloons instead."

Calum Duncan, of the Marine Conservation Society, said: "We welcome the excellent example sent by Prestonpans Infant and Nursery School and urge others to follow suit."