Vandals targeted a school, stealing prizes and presents for a Christmas fair and ruining Santa's grotto.

Ruined - lunchtime assistant Alison Angier with some of the contents of the vandalised shed at Brinkley Grove School, Colchester. Picture: NIGEL BROWN (46515-2)

Staff and fundraisers turned up at Brinkley Grove Primary School, Colchester, to find the door to the school shed, which contained wine, toiletries and tombola goodies, forced open.

Santa's grotto was vandalised, and sweets and other items destined for sale at Friday's event were strewn over a nearby play area.

Despite the setback, the Friends of Brinkley Grove Primary School are determined the fair will go ahead.

Headteacher Gillian Jasper said: "We are hoping that someone can lend us one (a grotto) or has lots of white fabric to make one."

The event, complete with Father Christmas, will go ahead at the Rawlings Crescent school, High Woods, between 5pm and 7pm on Friday.

If anyone can help out with a gazebo or fabric for an igloo-style grotto, they should call the school on 01206 852266. Organisers would also welcome offers of confectionery, wine, toiletries and groceries.

More in today's Evening Gazette

Published Tuesday, November 29, 2005

Brought to you by the Evening Gazette