A Darlington primary school has been helped by local businesses after they were left out of pocket by mindless vandals. 

Red Hall Primary School, in Darlington, was left having to pay for "extensive damage" after a vandal attack earlier this month saw the destruction of sheds, bikes, and a caravan. 

Yobs also splashed paint across the playground, damaged equipment, and smashed windows. 

The cost of the damage was "substantial", adding an unexpected financial strain on the school, which had just received donations for site improvements.

(Image: Red Hill Primary School)

But local businesses, Darlington-based Ruck Engineering and Stockton-based Scott Bros stepped up to the plate following a heartfelt social media appeal for assistance. 

Ruck Engineering, a leading supplier of industrial and commercial pressure washers, provided a Honda GX 390 pressure washer. This crucial equipment is being utilised to clean paint from the playground, walls, equipment and the damaged caravan.

(Image: Red Hill Primary School)

Scott Bros, a family-run recycling specialist based in Haverton Hill, offered a complimentary skip service, including the removal and recycling of debris at its Stockton facility, significantly aiding the clean-up effort.

Julie Davidson, Executive Head Teacher at Red Hall Primary School, said: “It was a shock to come in on Friday morning to see the damage. As a result, we were forced to change how we entered the school as both the Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 yards were unsafe due to paint and broken glass.

"The children are incredibly upset, particularly given many of their bikes were damaged.

“We are delighted by the outpouring of support following our Facebook post, including the swift response from Ruck Engineering and Scott Bros and their combined assistance, as well as donations from the public.”

Scott Bros delivers a skip to the primary school. Scott Bros delivers a skip to the primary school. (Image: PR)

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Simon Ruck, Managing Director at Ruck Engineering, said: “As soon as we learned about the vandalism at Red Hall Primary, we arranged for one of our cold-engine-driven pressure washers to be delivered and set up with all the necessary equipment.

"We were more than happy to help. Vandalism is an awful problem and targeting local, excellent schools like Red Hall is unacceptable. It was a pleasure to assist.”

Ruck Engineering's Graham Chadwick delivering pressure washer to Red Hall Primary School.Ruck Engineering's Graham Chadwick delivering pressure washer to Red Hall Primary School. (Image: PR)

Peter Scott, Director at Scott Bros, added: "Community is at the heart of our business. We couldn't stand by and do nothing when we heard about the vandalism. We're pleased to provide our services to help the school recover."