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JOBSWORTH WHO BANNED CHILDREN TAKING PHOTOS by Tom Price

A GROUP of excited schoolchildren gathered at the foot of Nelson's Column to take some special photgraphs in aid of chairty.

But they hadn't reckoned on falling foul of a snappy security warden.

No, she said, marching them firmly away from the famous monument in London's Trafalgar Square. They couldn't take their photographs there - only from a distant spot where her authority ended.

To get the shot they wanted, they would have to get official permission.

Youngsters from Shrewsbury School in Shropshire are taking pictures of blue chairs in memorable locations to raise money for a local hospital which is treating a fellow pupil for leukemia.

Teacher Giles Bell, whose pupils took the seats with them on their London trip, explained that the fund-raising exercise began as a joke when a colleague noticed that two blue chairs had gone missing from his classroom.

Other teachers and pupils then started taking pictures of "sightings" of the chairs outside pubs and in people's gardens.

Mr Bell described the Trafalgar Square ban as "rediculous and absurd".

He added: "I was amazed by the lack of co-operation and stupidity of it - it was quite obvious we were not going to damage anything." Tory MP Mark Field, whose constituency includes the Square, said the decision to move the children along was "incredible".

He added: "This is one of this country's biggest landmarks. The idea that a few snaps could be a problem is absurd."

There are no specific rules about taking pictures in Traflagar Square. But professional photographers and film cres have to ask permission before they start shooting.

There is no ban on tourists of members of the public taking pictures.

A Greater London Authority spokesman said: "Every effor is made to facilitate charities' activities and it regrettably did not happen on this occasion.

"The GLA would be happy to welcome the Shrewsbury School when they are next able to visit the capital."