A 9-year-old school girl who started taking photographs of her miserable school lunches and posting them on her blog, neverseconds, was yesterday (Thurs) banned from taking her camera to school after Argyll and Bute council raised fears about negative press they were receiving. The ban has caused outrage among those who followed the blog and those who have become aware of it since the council's decision.

Martha Payne's blog yesterday received over 2 million hits, has inspired debate in the UK and abroad, and raised nearly £2,000 for charity. However, the local council argue that national press headlines have led staff to fear for their jobs, and have said that the blog 'misrepresented the options and choices available to pupils'.

Following Martha's last post last night, her father Dave Payne added that the school have always been supportive of his daughter's photography and blog, and confirmed that it was the council's decision to ban it.

Criticism of the council and overwhelming support of innovative school girl Martha have been expressed on Twitter, by a number of high profile journalists, food enthusiasts and celebrities, as well as thousands of concerned members of the public:

[Photograph via neverseconds]