Council has egg on face after blog ban

Health-conscious Lochgilphead student Martha Payne began posting photos and breakdowns of her school dinners online in April as a lark.

But her Never Seconds blog soon became an internet sensation, with hundreds of thousands of views and students around the world sending in their own submissions.

The dubious nutritional value of some lunches saw the school promoting a policy of unlimited salad, fruit and bread within weeks, while Martha's blog has funnelled thousands of pounds in donations to Mary's Meals which provides food to children in the developing world.

But Martha's story went truly viral today after Argyll & Bute Council tried to stop Martha's food photography entirely.

In a blog post titled "Goodbye" she wrote: "This morning in maths I got taken out of class by my headteacher and taken to her office.

"I was told that I could not take any more photos of my school dinners because of a headline in a newspaper today.

"I only write my blog, not newspapers, and I am sad I am no longer allowed to take photos."

Her father confirmed the news with Argyll Council.

The story was soon trending worldwide on Twitter, with support from celebrity chef and campaigner Jamie Oliver.

Meanwhile donations to Mary's Meals have rocketed to nearly £20,000.

Within hours Council leader Roddy McCuish told reporters he had told his officials to drop the ban.

"It is a good thing to do, to change your mind, and I have certainly done that," he said.

rorym@peoples-press.com