PUPILS at a New Forest primary school are holding a fundraising event after vandals smashed property at the site.

As previously reported “mindless vandals” smashed windows and set fire to toys at Blackfield Primary School just weeks ago.

The yobs repeatedly struck at the school over half term, causing serious damage to its “Harry Potter” bus and setting fire to equipment.

Now headteacher Tariq Sasso is calling for the community to come together with a special fundraising event which he hopes will go some way to funding the £20,000 repairs - which includes buying special containers to keep equipment safe.

He said: “Recently we have been on the receiving end of some violent and destructive acts of vandalism.

He said: “Our Year R play ground was used for a bonfire and the little children had their equipment and wellington boots burnt, setting the fire alarms off in the middle of the night.

“We have a double decker purple bus which we have been in the process of converting into a reading den for our children. We were aiming to make it look like the Knight Bus from the wonderful world of Harry Potter.

“Sadly, this has also taken heavy damage. All of the windows have been smashed in and the inside has been destroyed too. The area where our children live is a very deprived area and inspiring our young children to love reading is something we’re passionate about.”

He added: “Not only are the staff and the children deeply upset by this, but the community have also been affected.”

Now teachers and parents have organised an event of music, fun and games on July 11 at the site at Pavilion Gardens.