HEADTEACHER Lisa Tudor has banned homemade cakes from sale at fund-raising stalls and ftes at Crudwell School because of health risk fears.

She took the decision after advice from Wiltshire County Council, which warned schools that they could be liable if anyone became ill after eating homemade goods sold at a school event.

Writing in the school newsletter, Ms Tudor said she made her decision with the backing of the governors.

"The school has been informed by the local education authority that due to health and safety regulations we will be unable to receive homemade food products for distribution," she wrote.

"Therefore we will be unable to hold cake stalls that consist of homemade cakes. If it is a child's birthday we are obliged to only accept shop bought products.

"I'm sure many of you will join the school staff in the disappointment that this causes but I trust you understand we are obliged to follow health and safety procedures."

Wiltshire County Council said it only advised schools what to do and it was up to individual schools to decide their own policy.

A spokesman said: "The advice we give is that schools should avoid selling homemade products which carry a higher than normal risk of food related illnesses. Such foods include cream or other dairy products, mayonnaise, eggs, fish and meat.

"Parents and volunteers are encouraged to provide safer alternatives instead such as cakes, fruit or fruit products such as jam, scones and pastry items or pre-packed manufactured food."

County councillor Carol Soden said she supported Ms Tudor's stance.

She said: "If Lisa has made the decision I back her to the hilt. She is an excellent headteacher and she is doing it for the best reasons."

But county councillor John Thomson said it was red tape gone mad.

He said: "There are people blowing innocent people up all round the world and we worry about killer cream cakes."