CHILDREN at Burbage Primary School were heartbroken when vandals attacked the school for the third time in two months, this time destroying homegrown pumpkins they had planned to show off at their Harvest Festival.

On three different occasions vandals have wreaked havoc at the school, smashing pumpkins in their kitchen garden, uprooting the scarecrow and breaking perspex windows in the PE and bike sheds.

Police launched an investigation into the attacks in September and October but failed to find any of the perpetrators, and have now closed their investigations.

"The pupils are just so disappointed and heartbroken. We were growing the pumpkins and other vegetables for a harvest festival display but that was no longer possible, which is very sad," said principal Nicola Coupe.

"We do not know how much it will cost but for us to be hit three times in such a short period of time is very alarming. Everyone was really shocked and saddened by it all.

"I have been here for three-and-a-half years and this has never happened before. Burbage is such a wonderful little place, you do not really imagine something that is so cruel and thoughtless happening here.

"The Neighbourhood Watch people have been very helpful."

However, Mrs Coupe was very impressed that the children have refused to be beaten by the vandals and have been busy making plans to get the garden blooming again.

"The attitude and application of the children has been really great. They are very keen to see their garden back to the way it was, with lots of things growing there," said Mrs Coupe.

"In the summer, we began a project called 'What is growing at the bottom of my garden?', which involved them coming up with ideas to go in their kitchen garden and to start a bug hotel to look after bees and butterflies on their grounds.

"They are so enthusiastic about this project and their creativity and designs have been very impressive, although I do not think installing a massive slide and pond is possible.

"We will begin the project over the course of the winter and the real work will begin in the spring."

PCSO Jonathan Mills said: "We have spoken to nearby residents who have not seen anything.

"However, the school are putting measures in place to combat the rise in criminal damage. If anyone sees any suspicious behaviour around this area please call 101."