A SCHOOL allotment was targeted by mindless vandals on the last day of term.

Firefighters were called to Horwich Parish CE Primary School around 7pm on Friday after a blaze, thought to have been deliberately started, tore through a cabin containing equipment and tools used by children.

Staff, left devastated by the fire, are now appealing to the community for help to ensure children, who have worked hard to develop the site, can continue to use the allotment when they return after the summer break.

Mrs Magilton, the school's eco- leader and reception teacher, said: " The children have worked hard to develop the area and it is devastating that this mindless act has meant that the children will not be able to use the allotment when they return in September."

The school transformed an area of land five years ago with the support of parents and the local community to create an "amazing" allotment growing food for the school kitchen selling produce and eggs from the resident chickens.

The local Bridge Street Nature Reserve committee houses its tools in the allotment and local nurseries use the allotment on a weekly basis.

Everything has been destroyed together with the cabin.

It will cost £2,000 along to replace the cabin, which staff say will take a "huge amount of fundraising".

The school is hoping the local community will help to clear up the area. And says any unwanted tools and support would be appreciated so children could to continue to use the allotment after the summer holidays.

Anne Washington, deputy headteacher, said: " Our children love growing produce in the allotment and collecting the chicken eggs. They will be very upset when they return in September after all their hard work all year and now they cannot continue to develop the area as we have no tools and place to store and meet each week.

Anyone who can help should email awashington@horwichparish.net.