VANDALS threw paint over children's work and caused damaged estimated at £5,000 to a mobile classroom at a West Swindon school.

The thugs broke into the classroom for year six pupils at Oliver Tomkins Junior School by smashing a window before throwing paint all over the room and destroying children's work and displays.

The vandals also destroyed the carpet and lino, blackboard, tables and chairs, all of the reading and reference books, several windows and even the classroom clock.

Headteacher Elizabeth Wood praised the attitude of staff and students since the break-in, adding that pupils had not missed any lessons.

The pupils who used the room have been taught in the library and are set to move back in tomorrow.

Mrs Wood said: "Within 10 minutes of the alarm going off our caretaker was at the school but the perpetrators had run off.

"I expected the children to be really sad but what surprised me was how mature they have been to work in a temporary classroom."

The destruction of the classroom has clearly upset pupils.

Lauren Nell, 10, from Westlea, said: "Lots of really good books were ruined and I can't understand why someone would do it.

"The last week hasn't been to bad but that's because our teacher has worked really hard for us to keep things the same."

Justin Thomas, 10, from Freshbrook said: "I think the people who did this are evil.

"I lost my English book and that was sad because I had some good work in there. It upset me but more than that I was angry. I don't know why they did it because they are going to get caught."

Becky Williams, 10, from Toothill said: "I was amazed by how much damage they did but I'm happy a couple of our displays have survived, especially our big poster of ancient Greece."

Police spokeswoman Alvina Kumar condemned the "moronic actions" of the vandals. Witnesses are asked to call PC Wayne Fisher on Swindon Police on 528111.