DESPITE their worst efforts, vandals have failed to delay the first day back at school for children.

The refurbished Seaview Primary School, in Seaham, has been the continued target of teenage louts throughout the summer holidays.

But last night, headteacher Julia Phipps confirmed it would be back to school as normal this morning for the school's 300 pupils.

A year ago, Deneside Infants and Junior schools were merged to form Seaview Primary.

More than £400,000 was spent on refurbishing the school and a £500,000 sports and arts centre was constructed on the site.

Seaview finished off its summer term on a high note, when it received a glowing report following an Ofsted inspection.

But only a few days after the school closed for the summer holiday, vandals made their first attack and have continued to hit the school throughout the vacation.

The latest damage was inflicted only last weekend, when teenagers trashed a garden and toy store.

The frequent attacks have meant that Mrs Phipps, along with the caretaker and cleaning staff, have been present throughout the six weeks of summer holiday.

"We have had to deal with this damage at a time when we should have been celebrating our success in the Ofsted inspection,'' said Mrs Phipps.

She revealed, however, that thanks to CCTV footage from the school, the police believe they are now near to catching the culprits.

Although the attacks have been upsetting and costly, Mrs Phipps said she and her staff had remained determined that the children would be back in school on time.

She said: "The children of Deneside are wonderful ambassadors and they deserve better, we certainly won't let these louts beat us."