GROTTY school toilets could be flushed away as part of a new nationwide campaign.

The Bog Standard Campaign says that shabby lavatories have a detrimental effect on pupils' education.

And one of those backing the initiative is South Swindon MP Julia Drown.

Yesterday, Ms Drown cast a critical eye over lavatories at Greendown Community School.

Campaigners say that rundown, smelly, graffiti-covered toilets are no joke.

Studies have found that many pupils are unwilling to use the facilities because they are so grim, which affects concentration.

But at Greendown, Ms Drown found nothing but gleaming latrines, stocked with toilet paper and soap.

"I was very impressed as the toilets had recently undergone an £80,000 refurbishment," she said.

"They were all clean and in good working order."

The school has also responded to suggestions from students that year groups use different toilets.

"The standards were much higher than the loos I remember from schools. They weren't dark and dingy, and there was no evidence of smoking."

In a survey, the BBC found 70 per cent of children thought their washroom facilities were unacceptable.

Many are unclean, and often toilet paper and soap are not provided.

There is also the fear of being bullied, and often a lack of privacy.

The better loos campaign is supported by the British Toilet Association.

Its chairman Richard Chisnell said: "Toileting needs in schools, hospitals and public places have not had the attention they require in a modern, civilised society such as Britain.

"We look to politicians to move the whole issues of toilet provision and standards up the political agenda."