PUPILS have been left heartbroken after toys for their revamped playground were destroyed in a suspected arson attack.

The fire started in a storage shed at Cockton Hill Infant School, McIntyre Terrace, Bishop Auckland, on Tuesday night.

Firefighters from Bishop Auckland Fire Station's Blue Watch attended the blaze at 9.23pm, after someone walking his dog raised the alarm.

Plastic toys worth over £300 were ruined by the fire and the shed door was destroyed.

Headteacher John Redman, who has been in charge at the school for 20 years, was devastated when he saw the damage, especially because the toys had been bought with a National Lottery grant.

Mr Redman said: "The playground has just been resurfaced and all our children really enjoyed using the new equipment at playtimes. It was wonderful to watch them all having fun, so this thoughtless act makes me upset and angry.

"Toys destroyed included a basketball stand, children's kitchen and space-hoppers, which were real favourites among pupils. They will be missed unless they can be replaced."

This is not the first incident at the school, which was built in 1907. Last week the shed was broken into and five of the space-hoppers were stolen.

Mr Redman said: "It is very disappointing that someone would target a school and ruin things for such young children.

"All our pupils are aged four to seven and play is very important to their motor skills and social development.

"This has always been a friendly, caring school, so everyone is devastated and I would urge whoever started the fire to think a little bit more about who they are hurting."

The fire was an extra blow to the school, which was planning an event to celebrate the Lottery grant, though Mr Redman said the school would recover from the setback.

Police are appealing for witnessed or anyone with information about the incident, to call (01388) 603566.