PUPILS at a Melksham school will have their fingerprints taken to borrow books from the library.

The George Ward School has introduced a biometric fingerprint system, set to revolutionise the lending of library books. Instead of stamping a piece of paper or swiping a card when they want to take out a book, students just have to press their finger onto a sensor and their details automatically appear on the system.

Teacher Margaret Bryant said: "It is not intended to bring criminals to justice, but to streamline the system of borrowing and returning books. "Both students and staff are enthusiastic about the system, which brings benefits such as instant recognition of the student, reliability to the library system and helping with loss of books."

Currently all Year 7 students are using the system and the intention is that this will be extended through the school, as long as parents give permission for their child's fingerprint to be recorded.

Christine Deadman, chairman the governors and the school's Parent Teacher Association, said: "The governors are pleased to see the roll out of this new system. "It is quite right that as a technology college we are using innovative systems like this within the school.

"We feel this library management system is a good way forward and will ensure a better service for students and staff."

Parent Trudy Fennell said: "As a parent I am concerned to receive a letter out of the blue like this. It's not the fact that fingerprints are to be taken but it's what may happen to the information in the years to come."