PUPILS and staff at a Herefordshire secondary school are dismayed at the behaviour of vandals who caused £300 damage to wooden benches, plant pots and waste bins.

Acting headteacher at John Masefield High School in Ledbury, Andy Evans, said pupils were very disappointed their efforts had been 'maliciously damaged.'

Mr Evans said the school was very proud of its environment and pupils and staff were stunned to discover the needless damage in the school grounds on December 1.

Tipped out

Mr Evans said: "The school grounds have been enhanced by students planting out large pots and the Parent Teacher Association had purchased a number of substantial picnic tables. Many of these pots had been smashed and plants tipped out. The picnic tables were also overturned and some were damaged."

Police are now appealing for information about the culprits responsible for the damage inflicted sometime between November 28 and December 1.

Anyone with information should contact Hereford Police Station on 08457 444888.