Vandalism at Torpoint Infants school is hopefully now a problem of the past - thanks to the installation of new CCTV cameras.
The school has been made extra secure following the tragedy at Dunblane, and numerous incidents of break-ins and vandalism which combined to cost the school a lot of money.
Parents clubbed together and started a fund-raising campaign for initial security measures which included making gates and fencing etc secure. However, the school's neighbours, Somerfield, stepped in to help when, despite the new measures, vandals who stole items from the supermarket premises climbed into the school grounds.
Head teacher at the school, Margaret Smith, said it seemed that the thieves may have been trying to set the items alight. Somerfield, who have CCTV themselves, then said they would help raise the funds for the school to have its own system. As a result a cheque for £1,880 was donated by them to match a similar amount raised - and the cameras are now in situ.
Mrs Smith said that there has been no incident of vandalism since, and she stressed how grateful the school is for Somerfield's generosity, and the backing of the parents and the community. She said of the supermarket: 'They really are good neighbours.'
Somerfield deputy manager, Margaret Shugar-Redman, said the attacks on the school had concerned them and they felt they should help as the school is right next door. She explained that the school 'gives enough out to the community so it is right it should get something back.'