HORWICH Parish CE Primary School has said a big thank you to the community for its support and help after vandals targeted its allotment popular with youngsters on the last day of term.

Mindless yobs are thought to have started a fire which tore through a cabin containing equipment and tools used by children causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

The school appealed for help in the the clean-up operation and ensure youngsters would still be able to benefit when they return next month.

And say senior staff the offers of help came from all sections of the community.

Two student eco-councillors drummed up donations for gardening equipment, after writing letters to local businesses for help.

Former and current teachers, families and parents all helped clean-up the mess left behind.

Anne Washington, deputy headteacher, said: "A huge thank you from the staff of Horwich Parish.

"There was a real community support and positive fee to the event."

Among those supporting the clean-up effort were Lostock Skips, which also donated refreshments, Co-op has signposted the school to bidding for a possible community grant.

"Wilkos provided a wheelbarrow of goods after a Year Five pupil wrote a letter to them of his own accord. Band Q and Home base have offered their support. Dickinson Skip Hire have donated to towards the movement of the container. Local Nursery Crofthouse has donated their container to school."

Company D Cain and Son based in Wigan are to remove the damaged container for a very reduced price.

People wishing to make donations to ensure the allotment is back to what it was can email awashington@horwichparish.net.

The school transformed an area of land to create the allotment.