The community at a special needs school has come together to fundraise for a new marquee after brazen thieves vandalised and stole parts of the old one.

The marquee was hired by Wyvern School in Ashford to host a special project for the pupils with the Primary Shakespeare Company and Confidance.

But teachers were left in tears when they returned to school to find parts of it had been stolen last weekend.

The school’s head teacher, John Somers, branded the theft 'outrageous' and now parents and teachers are coming together to help pay for a new one.

A Just Giving page set up by parent Karen Buss has so far raised £545 of its £5,000 target.

The page reads: "The marquee was rented to provide a Covid-safe environment for our children to work towards achieving their arts mark awards by putting on a performance of Shakespeare's 'The Tempest' .

"This award opens doors for our children and helps them to break down barriers and overcome obstacles in their lives that would otherwise hold them back.

"In the past the project has helped children to follow career paths and go into further education, not to mention the personal growth individuals will gain from it, such as confidence, self belief, communication skills. The list goes on.

"We are not deterred and we will find a way for this project to continue. Let's see the good in our community shine through."

The theft has been reported to the police and could also leave the school along Great Chart Bypass owing thousands of pounds, as the marquee was not insured and Mr Somers said this made the feeling even worse.

Previously he said: "It looks like someone drove up to the gates, cut the lock and stripped as much as they could.

"I'm not an expert but it looks like they did it without much preparation as they had to use bins to stand on to reach as high up as they could."

Police have been contacted for comment.

To support the fundraiser, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Ashford