A SCHOOL has banned youngsters from bringing 'virtual pets' to the classroom after they drove teachers barking mad.

Constant bleeping on the key-ring games became a regular distraction at Queen's Park High School, Blackburn, until head Sue Hyland sent the toys to the doghouse.

The popular toy, made by firms like Japan-based Tamagotchi, come in the form of dogs, cats and dinosaurs and need constant attention to keep them 'alive.'

Pupils had been feeding, watering and exercising the cyber pets during lessons until teachers said enough was enough.

Mrs Hyland said: "We've told our pupils not to bring them into school and to get themselves Tamagotchi babysitters during school hours. "The problem did arise at the start of term, but we warned children who continued to bring them in we would confiscate them.

"We pointed out that if we took them away we would not feed or water them and they would die and it seemed to do the trick!

"They were creating a nuisance and they won't be tolerated in the school. Anyone who brings them in now will have a letter sent to their parents."

The £9.99 virtual pets are still a big seller in East Lancashire.

Samantha Cocker, of Mercer and Sons Toy Store, Blackburn, said: "We've got a waiting list of 200 people who put their names down about two months ago."

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