London, Oct 23 : An amateur dramatics group, known as the Tipton Amateur Repertory Theatre Society, had to change its abbreviated name ''Tarts'', after critics deemed it sexist.

The society has put on productions in schools across the Midlands for 20 years.

But it had to change its name to Tipton Arts after a female headteacher threatened to boycott this year''s pantomime production of ''Babes in the Wood''.

The headteacher, who has not been named, wrote a letter to the group''s organisers accusing them of being ''''sexist'''' and ''''derogatory'''' towards women.

''''It was only meant to be a joke. We were formerly known as Tarts," the Telegraph quoted member Elizabeth Haney as saying.

''''But we have had to change this name as certain organisations deemed this to be offensive, especially in view of our younger members.

''''All I can say is tell that to the people of Bakewell and the makers of Mr Kipling''s exceedingly good cakes.

''''I had a complaint from one of the school headteachers and we''ve had things said from a few venues, they didn''t think it was appropriate," she added.

Tarts, which has members aged from six to 75, was told it would not be welcome at the school unless they changed their name to Tipton Arts.

Ray Brothwood, chair of Tipton Community Association, said: ''''I always thought it was a very catchy name. It''s just a bit of a laugh isn''t it, why would anyone ever be offended? I suppose it just goes to show the way people think nowadays.''''
(ANI)