A primary school has been targeted by vandals for the second time in less than a year.

Parents and grandparents of pupils at Sandown Primary School have stepped in to help repair a much-loved outdoor learning space after vandals caused £200 damage during half- term.

Green Zone, at the bottom of the school field, is used most days by the pupils to learn about nature by building dens and making campfires.

In December last year, vandals trashed outdoor toys used by the youngest pupils.

Green Zone co-ordinator Anne Collins said: “It’s senselessness and really disappointing.

“It’s an entirely secure area. These people had to clamber over a 9ft gate to get in.”

The culprits broke two plastic windows, ripped a plastic cover from a door and melted a plastic rope, leaving empty cans of drinks, crisps, cough sweets and a lighter behind. A wooden cabin was also slightly damaged.

Mrs Collins said: “We’ve put time and effort into this area and repairing it costs money that we haven’t got.”

When parents heard of the damage, there were many offers of help, including from PCSO and father of a pupil Gary Painter, and grandmother Steph Grieves.

They helped repair the windows on Monday morning.

Mrs Collins said: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to them both. Mr Painter has also given a couple of suggestions to help deter would-be trespassers to the school playing field and our Green Zone woodland.”

In December last year equipment used by the school’s youngest pupils was vandalised, with outdoor toys and books soiled with urine.

Despite the second bout of vandalism, pupils were back in Green Zone on Wednesday, where they lit a camp fire and cooked blueberry muffins.

Mrs Collins said: “The children just love it. It’s one of their favourite things to do in the school.

“Our attendance on Green Zone days is very good. We rarely have anyone off.”

She added: “If any readers would like to find out more, we have a Green Keeper’s blog on our school website which gives a taster of the aims of our Green Zone sessions.

“And it goes without saying, we are happy to accept offers of assistance. We are currently on the lookout for concrete mix for a shed base and offcuts of wood from building work, due to the success of pupil hammer and nail and wood projects. So popular that we’re running out of wood!”

To help, call the school on 01304 374951.