Shooting will no longer be part of a Dunmow secondary school's extra-curricular activities.

The decision has been taken by governors at Dunmow's Helena Romanes school after a parent's concern that teenagers were able to handle 12-bore shotguns and shoot live birds.

Sixth formers at the school had a chance to handle the weapons at a special after-school event - part of a country pursuits project.

Parent Kathy Cohen, who has a 13-year-old daughter at the school, was horrified when she found out sixth-formers were handling the shotguns, clay pigeon shooting and shooting pheasants .

Headteacher Stephen Smith, said governors had reviewed all after-school activities and visits as well as shooting.

"We looked at everything we do and had a long discussion," he said.

Senior teacher, Roger Board, who organised the one-off shoot as part of a rural pursuits programme, told governors he would pursue the activity on a personal basis and not continue under the auspices of the comprehensive.

Mr Smith said governors approved this and acknowledged the extraordinary range of extra curricular activities at the school and praised the high levels of participation and achievement.

"We know some students are involved in shooting out-of-school and what they do with their parents' permission does not come under the school's auspices," he added.

Mrs Cohen said she was happy with the decision and accepted that shooting took place in the countryside.

"My concern was that it was happening with the school's blessing and now it isn't, so I am much happier," she added.

The story prompted a mixed reaction from readers.

Opinions on the school's after-school shooting event were split between those vehemently against the idea and those who said rural pursuits should be encouraged.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.