Schools have been criticised for bog standard toilets after a survey revealed one in four pupils avoid using the loo because they are "dirty".

The charity which conducted the survey are urging schools to spend a penny - or two - on improving facilities as well as launching a campaign to introduce regulations to make toilets "healthier".

Currently, the limited requirements on schools do not include supplying toilet paper or soap, despite 91% of parents thinking cleanliness of toilets should be a priority.

The state of school toilets has hit a bum note with many pupils, with the survey revealing nearly one in five avoid drinking so they don't have to pay a visit to the loo. Carried out by the Education and Resources for Improving Childhood Continence (Eric) charity, the survey also found:

• Nearly a third of pupils said they had toilets with broken locks
• 53% parents felt their child does not drink enough at school
• 91% parents thought pupil toilets should be cleaned twice a day or more

Jenny Perez, Eric director, said dirty toilets and a lack of privacy were "unacceptable".

"Adults don't have to put up with these problems, so why should children? Poor toilets attract poor behaviour and a lack of basics are a recipe for these young people's continuing suffering."

The UK charity, which helps children with continence problems claimed there was a strong link between poor toilet facilities and continence problems such as wetting and soiling.

"These affect one in 12 children and young people, causing loss of self-esteem and bullying," Perez added. "For most, a cure can be found, but all treatments require access to proper water and toilet facilities."

Eric has since launched a petition to introduce regulatory standards.