STAFF at a vandalised school are urging residents in nearby houses to help them catch youths who are causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Youngsters smashed more than 30 windows at Greenlands Junior School, in South Moor, near Stanley, County Durham, at the weekend. Others got on to the roof and tore off slates, hurling them at passers-by. One boy was arrested twice in two days for damaging the school.

Headteacher John Cowley said: "The damage this time was quite severe - they put out more than 30 windows. It has been a mammoth task to sort it out."

Scaffolding erected to carry out roof repairs has made it easier for trespassers to get on to the roof.

"It is acting as a magnet for these people," said Mr Cowley.

The problem has become so bad that the school, and the infant school next door, are paying for a security fence to be erected.

In the meantime, local beat officer PC Louise Musgrove is working with the school to prepare a leaflet to be delivered to hundreds of homes in South Moor, in a bid to get residents to keep an eye out for further vandals.

Police confirmed they arrested two youths over the weekend, on suspicion of criminal damage. They were released on police bail pending further inquiries.