SCHOOLCHILDREN are 'heartbroken' after vandals trashed the garden they planted.

Wreckers left a trail of damage which will cost hundreds of pounds to repair after trashing the garden at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Primary School, Colne Road, Colne, last weekend.

Children, with the help of Colne Horticultural Society, planted seeds and flowers in the garden four weeks ago.

In the latest incident vandals used stones to smash a £300 tunnel cover, which sits above the plant area, and pulled plants from the ground.

Headteacher Peter Cunn-ingham called for action to reduce anti-social behaviour.

He said: "The school has been targeted five times over the past few months."

"The youths think it's fun to throw stones and damage the plants the children have grown.

"They have also climbed on to the roof of the new community building being constructed and have damaged insulation on this."

The school informed police and action had been taken but this had not stopped the youths drinking near the school and causing damage, added the head teacher. The school recently applied for funding for CCTV but was refused because it was a not a community group.

Mr Cunningham said: "Councillors need to get hold of the problem and listen to the voice of the youth to ensure there are not groups of youths frightening the local community.

"They need to get them off the streets and give them something to do, like give them skateboarding areas. As it is, we are having to pick up the pieces and the bill."

Sharon de Souza, assistant manager at Foto Fast and volunteer with the horticultural society, was involved with the planting.

"She said: "Every bit of damage should be paid for with their own money and they will then think twice about leaving kids heartbroken."

Police said they were dealing with two incidents of criminal damage and had received three calls from the public about anti-social behaviour at the school.

Anyone with information should contact the police on 01282 425001.