31103-14VOLUNTEERS at a West Swindon school say they won't be deterred after vandals ruined two adver-tising banners.

Volunteers and staff at Tregoze Primary School in Grange Park were appalled after discovering two of their banners being used to advertise the school's summer fete this Saturday had been destroyed in what organis-ers called senseless.

Each of the banners was put up on Friday and both were damaged on Sunday afternoon.

One banner, sited on Hay Lane, was removed and later found ripped apart at various locations near the school by child-ren heading to school yesterday.

The second, on a school fence, was ripped many times, but organisers are confident they can stick it back together.

Jackie Morgan, chair of the Friends of Tregoze Primary School, said the banners were used for advertising.

She said: "These people are mindless. People just seem to want to wreck it for us.

"But this has made us much more determined to make sure this year's event is the best ever."

It is not the first time the organisers have suffered a setback just before the event.

Vandals broke into a shed which contained gazebos and other equip-ment.

In 2002, a giant cutout Bart Simpson was stolen, but returned two days later.

Fellow committee member Beverley Lewis said children were upset.

She added: "The banner on Hay Lane was great for jogging the minds of people, so with that gone we could lose some attendance.

"The children are upset about the whole thing. It has been on everyone's mind at school."

Headteacher, Helen Swanson said: "We are disappointed about the banners.

"The Friends spend an awful lot of time and energy setting up the summer fete, so the loss of these banners is a great set back."

The fete will still go ahead as planned on July 3, and will feature various stalls, games and a barbecue.

Anthony Osborne