OPINIONATED pupils have used the power of the pen to defend the town dubbed Crapford.

The Year 5 class at Holy Cross Primary School, Culverley Road, were angered by residents branding Catford with its new, unflattering title.

So the 35 pupils decided to write to News Shopper, sticking up for their home town.

The Crapford saga began last year when Canadian letter writer Jane Fraser attacked Catford for its "tacky" shops, "pathetic" indoor market and "chaotic" road system.

She ended her letter by re- naming the town Crapford, a view which was later backed by a host of disillusioned residents.

The youngsters at Holy Cross who all live in Catford are not impressed with the negative image of their town.

The letter-writers may only be aged nine and 10 but they prove to be cutting critics.

Olumide Ogunbadewa tells Ms Fraser: "My point of view is if you lived in Catford a little longer you would have gotten used to it. I bet you were only here for three days."

Alice Gregan writes: "I agree Catford isn't the best town in the world but we think it's nice and we call it home."

Angry Chloe Phillips, clearly not a fan of Ms Fraser, ends her letter by saying: "There are loads of restaurants, you did not go anywhere.

"P.S. I am disgusted."

Class teacher Sarah Cookney admits she was surprised at the passion displayed by her pupils.

She said: "They were so cross about the criticism. I have never seen them so hyped-up.

"They all obviously love living in Catford."

Ms Cookney says the letters were part of a wider project aimed at getting the children to learn more about their surroundings.

She added: "The project was useful because it made the children think objectively about their home town and how it can be improved."