'Those who did this are just cretins'

After running riot inside Nylands School, louts stole the keys to a minibus and reversed it into the building.

Part of a wall collapsed and the bus was badly damaged, leaving the school without its own transport.

Now the school which caters for 40 children with learning difficulties has a new set of wheels thanks to bosses at Swindon's M4 Self Drive.

The Station Road firm has offered the school a 15-seater bus to use until its own vehicle is repaired.

Manager Stuart Boyer was horrified by the scale of the damage which is likely to cost around £6,000 to repair.

"The people who did this are just absolute cretins, they're disgusting," he said.

"It's just totally pointless, I blame the parents.

"We just wanted to do whatever we could to help."

Local companies have also provided dehumidifiers to dry out the classroom damaged by the van. Water pipes burst, causing flooding.

Pupils returned to the Nythe school on Tuesday after a huge clear-up operation.

Deputy head Ralph Lancaster-Gaye said: "We're really grateful for all the help we have received.

"After the damage we suffered, it has been reassuring to see how the community has come together to help."

Staff spent Tuesday talking to pupils in small groups about what had happened.

"We've talked through what happened with them and they have been very calm and sensitive to each other's needs," said Mr Lancaster-Gaye.

Police have made one arrest in connection with the damage last Thursday night, but are desperate for fresh information.

Intruders entered the school via a skylight, and ransacked classrooms and corridors.

They would have caused a lot of noise and commotion and people in the area may have heard and seen something.

Teachers would be grateful for any donations of equipment damaged in the raid.

Ten computer monitors were smashed along with tape players and telephones.

Anyone who can help should call Mr Lancaster-Gaye on 01793 535023.

Swindon police can be contacted on 01793 528111.

Tamash Lal