PARENTS have been left unable to use a cashless payment system that is implemented by various schools across Dorset.

The online Wisepay service has been out of action due to an outage since at least Tuesday afternoon.

It is understood the system, which can be used to fund lunchtime meals and school trips, is utilised by a number of educational establishments in the conurbation, including Twynham School, Bournemouth School and Poole High School.

A letter sent to parents at Twynham School in Christchurch on Tuesday said: "As you may be aware, our online payment provider, Wisepay, has been experiencing a number of technical issues recently. The service has now been taken offline and parents are unable to log in and make payments.

"Please rest assured that our catering contractor, Harrison, have been made aware of this issue and are facilitating students receiving food at break and lunch by 'lending' money where parents have been unable to log in and make a payment.

"They will continue to do this for as long as the Wisepay service remains unavailable.

"We are in regular contact with Wisepay as they look to fix this issue and will communicate with you again as soon as we know more.

"Thank you for your patience."

The Daily Echo has contacted Wisepay for comment.

A notice on the company's website says: "We are currently experiencing an outage, pleased be assured our teams are working diligently to address this issue and restore service as soon as possible.

"We apologise for any inconvenience and we will let you know when our site is back up and running."