UK children are avoiding unpleasant school toilets where they fear being targeted by bullies.

Further, many toilets are closed for long periods during the school day while others are in such poor condition that pupils would rather wait until they get home.

The British Cleaning Council warned that some children were developing continence problems as a result.

Steve Wright, chairman of the British Cleaning Council, said,

"Clean, safe, equipped and accessible toilets are becoming high on children’s wish lists. But many UK schools are failing to provide this. Children are just as entitled as adults to clean toilet facilities. Poor hygiene in loos can lead to increased infections such as bacterial diarrhoea and Hepatitis A."

The group backed the Bog Standard campaign, which is calling for better toilet facilities in schools.

Proper handwashing requires access to proper tools.