AN INFANT school that had property damaged by vandals during the Beast from the East has been ‘overwhelmed’ by the response from the community in fundraising to replace the items.

Manor Field Infant School, in Brighton Hill, had much of its early years play equipment broken and vandalised in the early hours of March 2 during the snow storm that hit the country.

The play equipment was damaged, the sand pit had been kicked over and tables had been damaged, with plant pots that the children were growing seeds in being smashed as well. The estimated damage was seen to have cost the school around £500.

The community has since rallied around the school, with one parent setting up a fundraising page to help out.

Joanne Adams, from Brighton Hill, who has a child at the school, set up the page with the aim of helping out as much as possible.

Mrs Adams said: “It was sad to see that this had happened, and that the children would be impacted, even indirectly, as funds for other projects had to go to help this.

“That’s why I decided to set this up, because some people do want to help, but are not sure how. Having this is encouraging people to help out. We’re hoping to get back the amount that was lost, so that there is no shortfall and that the school is on an even keel.”

So far, more than £130 has been raised.

School headteacher Susie Pietrzak said: “We have been overwhelmed by the kindness of our local community and the many kind individuals who have donated sums both large and small. This was a heartless act which impacted on the very youngest within our school.

“Thanks to the Basingstoke Gazette and our kind community we will be able to purchase replacement equipment for our children to continue with their exciting outdoor learning.”

Mrs Adams added: “The teachers are brilliant, supportive, and care about the children. Susie [the headteacher] is always so helpful, and you don’t always get that. There is such a community feel to the school.”

Police are investigating the incident. Call 01 with any information, quoting the crime reference 44180080460.

To donate to the campaign or for more information, go to justgiving.com/crowdfunding/joanne-adams.