PUPILS are arriving at school covered in mud with soaking wet feet because of a water-logged footpath.

Children walking to the Deane School have been getting bogged down when they use the footpath which runs along a playing field near St Mary's Primary School.

The footpath, which has been used to get to the school for more than 40 years, has become so water-logged that children are getting soaked wet before they start classes.

Although there is another way to reach the school by walking via Junction Road, this route can take an extra 10 or 15 minutes which means children often end up soaking wet anyway if it is raining.

Mother-of-two Linda Newton-Berry, of Platt Hill Lane, is desperate for something to be done as she claims she is having to replace her sons' shoes every three months.

Her sons Paul, aged 14, and 12-year-old David, have tried walking the long way to school, but have ended up in trouble for arriving late.

David has even started suffering problems with his feet because they get wet so often and then he has to spend the day wearing the same shoes.

Mrs Newton-Berry said: "The majority of kids use that footpath and it's in a horrible state.

"The same problem seems to happen every year, but of course this year it has been dreadful because of the heavy rain.

"This footpath is costing me a fortune as I am having to buy new shoes or have them re-heeled because they are just going rotten."

Headteacher Tony Hill has approached Bolton Council about draining the area and said: "From what I can gather the footpath does belong to Bolton Council.

"They are supposed to be sending someone out. The land probably does need draining or there could be a blocked drain.

"It has been in a dreadful state and some of our pupils have been coming into school soaking wet because it is the main route they use."

The school is also applying to the Football Foundation for money to drain the sports pitches.

No one was available for comment at Bolton Council.