GRANDMOTHER Sally Watts is in a spin after her 10-year-old daughter was left in tears as she was not allowed to buy an expensive yo-yo promoted at the end of a school demonstration.

Mrs Watts, of Oxford Road, Calne, said Lexie returned to her home in tears on Friday after friends, who all had been able to buy the yo-yos, left her out of games.

Both Mrs Watts and Lexie's mother Dawn were furious that St Dunstan primary school in Calne, promoted the yo-yos that cost between £5 and £11 each.

But this week headteacher Tony Cook said he did not regret bringing in the NED yo-yo performers who put across an inspirational message about always trying your best.

The NED show tour is run by American based company All For Kids Inc and is based on the values of 'N', never give up; 'E', encourage others; and 'D', do your best.

Mr Cook said: "I went around the children on Monday morning to see what they remembered from the show and eight out of ten of them said it was the values such as doing your best that stayed with them.

"The NED ethos is the same one that we teach at school and I was also keen to have them come in as it encourages an activity that can be enjoyed in the playground.

"My only regret is that I did not put the price of the yo-yos that were going to be on sale in the newsletter that went out in advance."

Lexie's mum said that her daughter was fine with being told no when she asked for the toy but had become distraught at being left out of games.

She said: "I am livid about it. I don't think it is right for children to be under pressure to buy these expensive items when they are at school.

"Lexie was crying all weekend as she thought she would be left out again on Monday. In the end I had to relent and buy her one with the NED marking. There were cheaper ones for sale in Calne but she was worried that if it did not have the logo she wouldn't be accepted into the group."

The NED marketing by schools has been criticised by parents across the country in a Guardian article and parents have also taken to the Mumsnet website to complain.

Mr Cook has written an article in this week's school newsletter to clarify the school's position. He said: "I have only had two complaints."