VANDALS and arsonists targeting East Lancashire's schools will soon find themselves being watched from above as a new crackdown takes to the skies.

Lancashire Police's force helicopter will keep an airborne eye on vandal-hit schools across the county as part of Operation Caretaker, designed to combat the massive security problems facing schools.

Despite more than £1million of school safety improvements over the past three years, spates of vandalism and arsons have continued to wreak havoc with school timetables and caused £500,000 of damage throughout the county last year.

The operation was today praised by education bosses and headteachers, who have deployed different methods to beat the troublemakers -- even bringing in security guards at one Hyndburn school.

Information from Lancashire Police's six divisions has already been provided to the Air Support Unit, which runs the helicopter, on schools which appear to be regular targets.

When the helicopter is in the sky for another incident or on photographic duties, it will fly over schools in the area on its route back to base.

Video cameras will record evidence during the day, and thermal imaging equipment will be used at night.

Sergeant John Kirkwood from the Air Support Unit said: "Operation Caretaker will give divisional officers an extra set of eyes particularly when the schools are empty.

"Intelligence has already been gathered which shows that acts of vandalism, criminal damage and arson tend to occur during the school holidays and in the evening, especially in the summer.

"The helicopter will keep a watchful eye over schools which are potential targets."

Posters will also be displayed in schools taking part to warn potential offenders.

Sgt Kirkwood added: "The purpose of this exercise is not only to reduce the financial costs, but also the disruption caused to the schools.

Sally Rimmer, head of the lower school at Towneley High School,Burnley, said: "We are very pleased with this new initative from Lancashire Police.

"Our school has suffered from vandalism such as smashed windows and it is something we are very pleased to see the police and local authority working together on.

"We have a good relationship with the police and they do respond to our needs as quickly as they can but we appreciate that they have stretched resources as much as anyone else."

Moorhead High School, Cromwell Avenue, Accrington, has been targeted by arsonists five times in three years.

Head Andrew Bateman said: "Arson, while it may seem a laugh to those who do it, has massive implications on the school and not just financially."

A spokesman for Rhyddings High School, Howarth Street, Oswaldtwistle -- which has become the first in the county to employ security guards -- said: "Anything which cuts vandalism is very welcome."

A spokesman for Lancashire County Council said: "This is a very imaginative initiative and we applaud Lancashire Police for their help in tackling what is a major problem not only here in Lancashire but across the region."