SCHOOLS across Bolton are planning to review their policy of allowing parents to video shows featuring pupils after concerns that tapes could fall into the hands of paedophiles.

While many local schools allowed filming of this year's Christmas shows to go ahead, some took last-minute decisions to ban cameras.

Others say they will have to look at whether videos will be allowed in future.

The issue was highlighted when the City of Edinburgh Council announced that any parent wanting to video their child would have to seek the permission of every other parent -- in effect banning the practice.

Bolton education authority does not have a policy on video filming, leaving it up to headteachers and governing bodies at each school.

At Roscow Fold Primary School, Breightmet, concerns raised about the privacy of children prompted acting head Barbara Barlow to request no filming of this year's Christmas production. "Parents were co-operative," said Mrs Barlow.

In previous years there had never been a problem with filming, but the governors would probably discuss the issue next term when a new headteacher was in place.

Some schools already ask permission from parents in advance of productions.

At Lostock Primary, staff ask parents each September if they would allow their child to be filmed and no one has ever objected. If parents do object, their wishes will be respected.

Many other schools allow filming by parents and say the question of refusing permission has never been raised before.

The Bolton Evening News contacted a cross section of the area's primary schools to discover their policy and here are their responses:

All Saints CE Primary School, Farnworth: "We allow parents to film shows at school, including the variety shows put on by classes over the past few days, but we have to get consent from parents before we do so," said a spokesman.

Bowness Primary School, Little Lever: Video filming has been allowed in the past. "Since reading about the issue in the newspapers, staff have been discussing what policy we will take this year and in future years," said a spokesman.

Claypool Primary School, Horwich: Parents were allowed to video and photograph the musical nativity and shows and no parent has ever complained. But headteacher Glenys Evans says the current concerns about paedophiles will mean they will discuss the policy for future events.

"It had never occurred to me before, but this has made us sit up and think," she said. "It might be something which comes up for formal discussion next term."

The Gates Primary School, Westhoughton: Parents were allowed to video several shows and nativity productions and there were no objections.

Lever Edge Primary School, Great Lever: Parents were not permitted to take video film this year because of copyright covering the show "Santa Express". In previous years, filming has been allowed.

Sunning Hill Primary School, Daubhill: "We have found that there are not a great many parents who wish to film any productions we have put on throughout the year," said headteacher Paul Read.

"In future, we may have to speak to the board of governors about this. We want people to share in what is available but on the other hand, we don't want to encourage people with other agendas."

Walmsley CE School, Egerton: Parents were allowed to video the school nativity and a professional film was produced which will be available to other parents. Headteacher Pat Ashton said that while the safety of the children was always a concern, it wasn't felt necessary to ban cameras.