Spectators at a swimming gala in Swansea were stopped from photographing or filming children amid fears that paedophiles could access the pictures.

About 700 children aged between eight and 11 took part in the national event, run by the Urdd Gobaith Cymru - the Welsh youth organisation - on Saturday.

It is sad we have had to take these steps but it is the sort of decision we have to face Jim O'Rourke, Urdd Chief Executive

Urdd Chief Executive Jim O'Rourke said he was "saddened" the ban was needed, but said most parents understood the reasons behind it.

Similar precautionary measures are in place at galas run by Welsh Amateur Swimming Association (Wasa).

"It is sad we have had to take these steps, but it is the sort of decision we have to face," said Mr O'Rourke.

"Our policy is no pictures at galas at local, regional and national level, and follows comments from parents and people who run the pools.

"Most parents realise it is reasonable as a risk-reduction measure.

"We have to protect children taking part in activities from the sort of people who would take an improper interest," he added.

The Urdd Eisteddfod has taken precautionary measures

Parents were allowed to take pictures of the children as they received their medals, when they were fully clothed.

Pictures from the award ceremonies at Penlan pool have been posted onto the Urdd website, but the names of the children have not been included.

Last November, it was decided children and young people would be banned from staying in the homes of host families during the 2003 Urdd Eisteddfod in Port Talbot because of the introduction of new stringent criminal records checks.

Earlier in the year, football clubs in north Wales were warned their websites could be used by unscrupulous individuals to identify young players.

Permits needed

A spokesman for Wasa said child protection was a key issue at galas.

"As a sport, we are very strict and take child protection issues very seriously," said Director of Swimming Development Bryn Williams.

"Our policy is no video cameras on poolside, and people in the stand must register their name and get a permit to do so," he added.

Mr Williams said Wasa was a proactive partner of the Child-Safe in Sport Wales initiative, which was launched in December 2001.

Chief Inspector Steve James, chair of the working group behind the scheme, said the team wanted to educate people about child protection issues.

"The organisation aims to raise awareness and offer guidance to children, parents and organisers on how to operate safely in a sports environment," he said.