ANGRY parents have slammed the decision to cancel the Largs Primary's annual sports day - and refuse to reschedule it.

It is the second time in three years that the event has been axed due to adverse weather - but mums and dads are furious the event wasn't moved indoors or a new date found with three weeks left of term.

The school announced on Thursday that, after consultation with sportscotland and looking at the weather forecast, that the sports day on Friday was off.

Parent Sharon Armstrong has now lodged an official complaint to North Ayrshire Council's education department about the decision.

She said: "I was furious. The Met Office forecast said rain was coming but not until 6pm, so why cancel?

"There was a blowing breeze and no rain at all so the grass would have been dry.

"Is it too much to ask that better planning and decision-making is put in place? We are next to the National Sports Centre yet calling off sports days, it is ridiculous.

"We have access to 3G sports and astroturf areas to host the event.

"As a nation we are concerned about keeping children active yet a school can't properly manage to organise a sports day once a year."

Sharon says parents who had organised time off work to attend feel let down.

She added: "Why, on perfect conditions for a sports day, was it cancelled - and cancelled for the rest of the year.

"Do we not have three weeks term time left? Can other arrangements not be thought about and put in place if this is a regular problem?

"Kids should have a sports day. It's the one time of the year that they all get to shine. This is about teaching our children that sport is important to stay healthy.

Julie Dorrian, head teacher at Largs Primary, said: “It is a very rare occurrence, but unfortunately the elements were against us this year.

“As any parent/carer will know this time of year is extremely hectic with excursions, school shows and other outings. We keep two dates clear for sports day in case one day has to be cancelled. This would usually suffice.

“We were forced to cancel the event last Friday because of the weather.

"The ground was very wet and the weather forecast was extremely poor. To give parents/carers plenty of notice it was cancelled on the Thursday.

“While it was unexpectedly sunny during the early part of Friday, the grass remained wet and heavy and, in any case, it is impossible to put the event back on at such short notice.

“The staff here love sports day and work so hard putting it together. We were all disappointed to see it cancelled.”