ENGLISH students at a Preston college fear their exam grades could go up in flames after arsonists wrecked their department, pictured.

Piles of written work submitted for A level exams later this year were destroyed in the blaze at Cardinal Newman College, in Manchester Road, over the weekend.

Two boys believed to be aged as young as 12 were seen running away from the college along Larkhill Road. Police say they could be behind the blaze.

Meanwhile college chiefs had to move some students into the dance hall, to sit their mock examinations.

Student Louise Adams, 18, said: "We all put a lot of effort into our work and now it's all gone.

"Having to use the dance hall was disrupting. I'm glad it wasn't the real thing!" "The English workshop was a good place to revise."

Louise's dad, David Walsh, a Preston firefighter, helped tackle the blaze, which started shortly after 2pm on Saturday.

Seven crews battled to get the fire under control. It caused thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Although some students' work was saved, college chiefs say that work kept in the store room and on computers, and written work on wall displays has all gone up in smoke.

Almost three floors of the college were damaged by smoke, including six classrooms, the staff room and the students' lounge.

Last year the English department was completely refurbished and heating facilities had been repaired. And after a spate of vandalism, college chiefs had also installed CCTV.

A college spokesman said: "Students' grades will not be affected and all classes will continue. If needed, we will be installing portable classrooms over half term. The building will be available again next Monday."

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