FOR 30 years the end of term teachers versus pupils rounders match has been a tradition at Hollybrook Junior School.

But now pupils have been told the match is off - because the school fears they might be sued if someone gets hurt.

Youngsters, who have waited years for their chance to pit their batting and fielding skills against their teachers, have been told it is too dangerous to play because of the different strength and size of the competing teams.

But their parents - many of whom played against their teachers in years gone by - point out how the match has never been a risk before. Mum of a Year 6 pupil, Chris Broomfield, took part in the event when she was at the school in 1974 and she said her daughter should be able to do the same. "It's ridiculous that they can no longer take part in this. The pupils have worked really hard with their SATs this year and this is a tradition that they have looked forward to ever since they started at the school and see the older years do it.

"I spoke to someone who was here in 1956 and they even had it then," she added.

"Lots of parents agree that the school is excellent, but to not give the pupils a chance to take part in a tradition that has been going for so long is ridiculous."

Fellow mum Karen Strachan, 36, played in the match in 1980 and has a son in Year 6. She said: "It's disgusting that they can't do this. "

Mum Louise Evans said: "There's not a lot left children can do and it's upsetting for them because they remember the other years doing it."

Instead, pupils have played each other at rounders and a different end of year challenge between staff and pupils will be run involving a quiz or hunt rather than a physical challenge.

Simon Watkins, head teacher at Hollybrook Junior School said: "We have to assess the risks in every activity in school and ensure both staff and children enjoy a safe environment.

"Having spoken to staff, colleagues in other schools and governors, very few of these staff-pupil competitive sports matches now take place."

What do you think of the school's decision? Contact reporter Corey Stephenson on 023 8042 4496 or e-mail corey.stephenson@soton-echo.co.uk.