"Smelly, dirty, school toilets are a problem across Europe and new legislation is needed to improve standards, researchers say.

"The facilities lack ambience, are unhygienic, are a magnet for bullies and can increase the risk of constipation and incontinence.

"'Going to the toilet is more than just a physical reflex. The whole ambience must be comfortable and this was not the case in the majority of these toilets,' said Sue Vernon, of the University of Newcastle upon Tyne."