THIEVES have wrecked a school's tranquil green haven, only days before a visit from competition judges.

Pupils from Parkside Comprehensive School, Willington, were shocked and upset yesterday after an overnight raid on their quiet garden.

Many of the 40 shrubs which were stolen had been bought with money raised by students for their entry in a Youth Action Challenge competition organised by the Royal Mail and Durham police.

Despite their anger, the students are pressing on with their project, which is intended to provide a peaceful place to sit away from the school's busy playground.

Parkside's Green Team: Mark Braithwaite, Matthew English, Matthew Mitchinson, Wayne Coates, Stephanie Curry, Kathryn Brown, Rachel Dixon and Catriona Grime; all work in their spare time and have charted their progress in a video diary and log book which will be shown to judges next Thursday.

Science teacher Chris Miller said: "They were shocked and stunned, but there was no suggestion that they will give up. They said that would be giving in to the thieves.

"The garden represents 18 months of hard work, and has been a real community project. Parents have helped, and B and Q have given us a lot of support.

"All we can hope is that once it is looking really nice people will respect it and leave it alone."

The school is appealing to parents and friends for replacement shrubs and volunteer workers.

Anyone with information about the theft can call Crook police on (01388) 762011.