YOUNGSTERS working for their GCSE examinations have been left heartbroken after burglars broke into their college and took the laptop computers they used for their course work.

Pupils at Gillbrook Technology College, in South Bank, used the 11 Apple Mac Eyebook computers to research weather patterns around the world using the Internet.

Every fortnight, more than 1,100 youngsters used the machines on the Normanby campus.

The computers, a Toshiba computer and a Panasonic video recorder were stolen at about 2.30am on Wednesday.

The theft of the computers means the year 11 pupils will not be able to access key websites for their projects, which have to be submitted this month and form a quarter of their final grade.

Headteacher Hilary Ellis said: "Quite a few of them are really upset because their exams mean so much to them and the computers are really popular because they help so much. It is very sad for them and such a shame after all the work they have put in."

"Now they can't use them and they have been seriously disadvantaged, so their work will suffer as a consequence."

Mrs Ellis said the college would help the students as much as possible to get the work done without the machines. She has also offered a reward of £50 for information that leads to their recovery.

She said: "The computers are no use to anyone anyway because you need the wireless connection for them to work because they have got special chips in them."

All of the computers are marked with the college's security code, which has been passed to the police.

Anyone with information about the theft is asked to call (01642) 302626.