HEALTH Secretary and Darlington MP Alan Milburn has sent a message of support to a school which has become a regular target for vandals.

The damage caused in the latest attack on Alderman Leach Infant School, the third in a fortnight, was discovered only hours before inspectors from the Office of Standards in Education (Ofsted) arrived on Monday.

In light of the attacks, which have caused damage costing thousands of pounds, Darlington Borough Council has arranged for security patrols at the school to deter further attacks.

After reading of the attacks, Mr Milburn wrote to headteacher Catherine Thompson, saying: "I was most concerned to read in this morning's Northern Echo about the vandalism that took place at your school over the weekend.

"I realise that all attacks on the school are distressing for staff and children alike, but it must have been particularly difficult this time, as it coincided with your Ofsted inspection."

The latest attack saw three windows broken during the weekend.

Previous incidents of vandalism have involved graffiti being scrawled on the walls and flower beds dug up.