PARENTS have threatened to boycott a popular school carol concert after being told only one member from each family can attend due to health and safety fears.

Concerned Marlow parents said they received a letter from Holy Trinity C of E School stating that unlike previous years, its annual carol concert at All Saints Church was limited to one ticket per child.

This caused an outcry from parents who claim the special significance of Tuesday’s event will be ruined if only one family member can go.

One mother, who did not want to be named, said: "Everyone is up in arms because this is a lovely family event and if only one family member is allowed it will ruin it.

"I am divorced from my husband so that makes it very difficult for us because he has already enquired about tickets.

"They said they are putting on a second event at the school, but it won’t be the same as it’s always a special atmosphere.

"I watched my son sing when he was at Holy Trinity and now it is my daughter’s turn I want to see her too. There has been some talk about boycotting the event."

The yearly tradition attracts hundreds of proud parents who gather at the Causeway church to watch their young choristers in action.

Another angry parent said children should not be forced to choose which parent comes to here them sing.

She said: "It’s meant to be a magical time of year and it does feel as though the festive spirit is missing.

"You don’t get asked who is coming when you hold a funeral in church, because of health and safety."

Rev. Dave Bull, Rector at All Saints said the measures have been taken because there are 178 children taking part - 38 more than last year.

He insists the two-ticket policy had to be lowered to one per family to avoid exceeding the 425-people maximum set down by fire regulations.

Rev. Bull said: "As a Holy Trinity school parent myself, I understand how disappointing it is that not every parent will be able to attend the school’s carol service in All Saints’ this year.

"I hope those parents who have missed out on a ticket will be able to enjoy the extra ‘assembly style’ service that the school is organising, or alternatively they would be warmly welcomed at any of our other Christmas services."

Catherine Carter, Headteacher at Holy Trinity, said it is important the extra pupils who want to take part can be included in the concert.

She said:"As a school we believe strongly in developing the ‘whole child’ and therefore always strive to ensure that all children who wish can be involved in such special events, rather than just a select few, creating special memories for the children and raising their self-esteem and confidence."