Pictures show the aftermath of a "horrifying" arson attack which decimated a primary school's grounds - as a fundraising campaign collects almost £2,000.

Cheriton Primary School was targeted by thugs last Thursday when flames took hold of one of its outbuildings.

Two fire engines were called to the Church Road site shortly before 5.45pm where they were at the scene for almost an hour.

Although no injuries were reported, police say it is being treated as suspicious as they continue their investigation.

The damage led to the majority of the site's forest school area becoming engulfed in the blaze.

Following the incident, the school, which caters for children aged four to 11, has seen one of its former pupils kickstart a campaign in a bid to help it recover from the inferno.

Folkestone's Tommy Whatman has set up a fundraiser to help rebuild the grounds which has received more than £1,900 in donations already.

The 18-year-old, whose mum Kirsty has worked at the school for 16 years, attended Cheriton Primary himself from 2010 to 2017.

Ahead of his new chapter studying 3D game art and animation at university next month, the youngster says he is determined to help his former school.

He explained: "The reason I started this whole thing was the principal, Miss Dover, asked my mum and I what we can do to help, so I suggested a fundraiser.

"Within the first couple of hours we'd already reached £500 and I was sitting there looking at my computer thinking 'what is going on?'

“People are helping the school out which means so much to me and my family.

"Luckily it was only that area which was damaged - it is a massive field which separates from the main school building areas.

"But it's been fully built-up from the ground with a fire pit, grotto and was a truly lovely area.

"So seeing it burned down was, and still is, quite a shock to me. For it to be confirmed as arson - who would want to do that to a primary school?"

Cheriton's forest school features a hut, benches and a campfire and is used weekly by many of its 403 pupils.

The area allows youngsters to participate in outdoor learning sessions about subjects like wildlife, geography and the natural world.

When asked about its importance to pupils, Mr Whatman replied: "It opens up a whole new world instead of just being inside a classroom and learning off a whiteboard.

"More than 400 pupils will now not have that core subject until it is rebuilt.

"No school should have to be rebuilding stuff which got burnt down; it's truly horrifying.

"But I want it to be the most beautiful and fun for children where they can learn."

Donations will go towards wood, tools, plants and other materials needed to revamp the site.

Those wishing to help fund the school's rebuild can do so here.

KentOnline has contacted Cheriton Primary for further details about the incident.

The fire was the third blaze to hit the area during the last month.

One broke out at the Risborough Court section of the Shorncliffe Heights development less than half a mile away on April 24.

This was alongside another incident at the same development on August 10.