CHILDREN angered by vandals who damaged their wildlife and reading areas have aired their feelings to the culprits directly by writing open letters.

Pupils at Thornley Primary School, near Peterlee, east Durham, went on their Christmas break on a high after learning last year’s outgoing Year 6 we were ranked in the top 150 primary schools in the country their end of Key Stage 2 Sats results.

Deputy headteacher Jaymie Tateson said: “The result has been a source of great pride for our children and staff.

“Unfortunately, over the Christmas break we have had our school field vandalised with extensive damage caused to equipment and our wild life area.

"A reading throne was ripped out and dumped in the wildlife pond and the tops of toadstool seats were tossed across the fields.

“Plants and shrubbery have been damaged and canopy roof of a gazebo has been ripped.”

She added: “Our (present) Year Six pupils were quite rightly enraged and wanted do something positive about it.

“They decided they wanted to write letters to the vandals addressing the issue of how this thoughtless act has affected them and our school.”

Joseph Wharrier , 11, wrote: “You have trampled, snapped and plucked the shrubs and plants from our glorious wildlife garden. Do you know how much effort we put in to planting these plants?"

Matilda Atkinson, 10, wrote: “At Thornley Primary, we learn how to treat each other with respect. What you have done has hurt both our school and our community."

Ruby Gilmore, 10, said: "I am writing to tell you about the consequences of the vandalism. I don't know why you would want to do wrong things when there are so many good things that you can do with your time."

Ethan Musgrove, 11, added: "Our reading area has been wilfully damaged and destroyed. It has destroyed the hard work of great people (staff, pupils and parents) who worked hard to get us the things that you have ruined."

Mrs Tateson said: “We are so proud of their attitude. They are an example of the wonderful people that live in this village and a reminder to all that the school is at the heart of this community and acts of vandalism have a far-reaching impact.”

The pupils’ letters will be posted online, once completed.Plans are also afoot to repair the damage.