A HEAD teacher has praised the local community for its response after vandals attacked a shed used as an outdoor role play area.

The building was damaged after a break-in during the summer holidays but pupils can now carry on as usual thanks to generous locals.

Usk Church in Wales Primary head teacher Victoria Evans said, ‘We were devastated to discover the damage but very much heartened by the way that Usk community rallied around.

‘Unfortunately the old shed was beyond repair. A group of parents helped to clear up the mess and our school crossing officer and gardener instigated a social media campaign to raise funds for a replacement’.

The campaign drew the attention of local timber merchant ALS trading who donated a new playhouse and Newport solicitors Collingbourne Hennah Law whose donation enabling the school to purchase a new shed for its flourishing garden.

Mrs Evans added, ‘Pupils were dismayed by the mindless vandalism but they’re now overjoyed by our new sheds. These currently feature in the Foundation Phase outdoor learning area and the school allotment’.