ORGANISERS have banned goldfish as prizes from next year's Chalfont Fair after dozens of complaints.

Stalls at the May fair, in Chalfont St Peter, had given out the fish in plastic bags to children winning competitions. Complainants said some children would swing the bags around at the fair, which was cruel to the fish. Many people also said it was forcing the children to look after the fish.

It has now been decided the children will get tokens instead, which they will be able to exchange for a fish if they decide they want one.

Ed Poole, chairman of Chalfont Fair for 12 years, said he was pleased they could keep everyone happy.

He said: "This way the kids can still take away a plastic bag when they have won, but instead there will be a voucher which they can redeem for a fish.

"We thought it was an excellent idea and it was a way of ensuring the care for the animals was being upheld."

But an RSPCA spokesman said: "The RSPCA is opposed to the giving of live animals as prizes, whether it be gold fish, ponies, puppies or any other animal.

"The RSPCA promotes responsible pet ownership and always urges people to think long and hard before taking on any pet whether it be a big or a small animal."