A school has come to the rescue after a lovingly crafted giraffe sculpture was beheaded by vandals.

The local landmark in Boughton Aluph, which took six years to make from a yew tree, was cut down last week and the head dumped three miles away.

But now a primary school is making designs for a temporary replacement head until the tree regrows sufficiently to sculpt a new permanent one.

Amateur gardener Frank Edwards, who created the front garden artwork and christened it Geraldine, said: “It is a lovely gesture. I am delighted that youngsters are doing it as the sculpture did appeal to children.”

Yobs had sawn off 4ft to 5ft of the head and neck and dumped it near the Halfway House roundabout at Challock.

The 12ft high sculpture adorned Mr Edwards’ front garden at The Green for four years.

Following news of the vandalism John Wesley primary school in Singleton has got up to eight of its pupils to compete to design a replacement head.

The designs are being created this week and the winner will be picked by head teacher Gail Spragg.

Work is expected to begin on the temporary head, made out of stainless steel and plaster, next week and it should be fitted by early December with festive lights.

Teaching assistant Samantha Myring said: “We wanted to be able to do something for the community and we have plenty of creative children in our school who could do this.”