THE PRINCIPAL of Okehampton College said it would be 'irresponsible' to close the 1,265-pupil school due to the foot and mouth crisis despite some calls from parents to do so.

'The views from MAFF, the vets and the police are that we do not need to close,' said principal Christopher Powell.

'Procedures are being taken by us and the pupils coming into school from farming areas but if parents want to keep children at home we respect their wishes.'

Parents have received two letters from the principal explaining the situation.

'Some parents have been concerned about the possible spread of the disease and we would, of course, close if MAFF thought that was the right thing to do but at this stage we believe it would be irresponsible.'

Around 800 children come into the college by coach from rural areas and Mr Powell said the attendance rate was down by about 15 per cent.

'The buses are still running but they are not as full as normal,' he said. 'Some families have taken the step of keeping their children away, particularly those who live on the farms that are affected by the disease.'

He added that pupils found it difficult to work last week because everyone was talking about the crisis and some families were put under extreme pressure because of it.

Meetings and visits to the college had been cancelled so the use of the site was being kept to a minimum.

'We are trying to cut down movement in the area to support the farming community as much as possible,' he said.