A VANDALised school is urging residents in nearby houses to help them to catch the youths who are causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Youngsters smashed more than 30 windows at Greenlands Junior School in South Moor, near Stanley, at the weekend. Others got on to the roof and tore off slates, hurling them at passers-by. One boy was arrested twice in two days over attacks on the school.

Headteacher John Cowley said: "The damage this time was really quite severe - they put out more than 30 windows. It has been a mammoth task to sort it out.

"Some of the windows put out were in the kitchen, so bits of glass and stone have ended up in the children's cutlery trays and in the sinks. It was quite a shock for the kids, who came back after the Bank Holiday to find the police at the school."

Roofing repairs have meant scaffolding is on the site, which has made it easier for the trespassers to get on to the roof.

"It is acting as a magnet for these people," said Mr Cowley. "Once up there, the temptation is to do as much damage as possible. We are working with the council to get the scaffolding away as quickly as possible."

The problem has got so bad that the school, along with the infant school next door, is paying out for a security fence around the complex.

In the meantime, local beat officer PC Louise Musgrove will work with the school to prepare a leaflet. This will be delivered to hundreds of homes in South Moor, in a bid to get residents to keep an eye out for further vandals.

"Some of our children have been able to identify some of those seen climbing on the school and we will be asking residents to do the same," said Mr Cowley.

Police confirmed they arrested two youths, aged 20 and 14, over the weekend on suspicion of criminal damage. They were later released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Burnside Primary School has also suffered damage, after two break-ins in less than 24 hours.

Burglars struck overnight on Sunday, both times gaining access by breaking a fire exit window. The crooks took stationery the first time, but left empty handed on their return visit.

Anyone with information should contact PC Norman Foster at Stanley police station, on (01207) 232144.