A head teacher in Folkestone has said that criminal damage to his school's roof could eat into tight funds.

Mundella Primary School on Black Bull Road was reportedly targeted on Tuesday, August 14 when lead was stolen.

Head teacher Frazer Westmorland said: "We were very disappointed to hear that somebody had climbed onto our roof and stolen lead from around our iconic bell tower.

"The value of the lead would not amount to a great deal but sadly the external damage - to roof tiles as well as lead work - will have an impact on the already tight school budget.

"Because of the location of the damage, it is likely that scaffolding will need to be in place at additional cost and inconvenience.

"Much like homeowners, our insurance does not always cover the real cost of replacement and repairs and will certainly not make the undertaking any more palatable."

He reassured that as the children go into the new school year, the inside of the building appears intact: "As yet, there has been no noticeable damage to the internal parts of the building and we hope that the forthcoming weather is favourable to our rather less protected situation.

"The bell tower has stood for over a hundred years and maintenance is both costly and fiddly.

"We hope that the damage caused does not bring about a long term impact on the tower as funds are not available to implement any additional repairs at this time.

"We are a community school that promotes supporting those around us and therefore, unsurprisingly, we are disappointed that a criminal would target and damage our school as well as put themselves at considerable risk of injury for just a few pounds."

A police spokesman said: "The offence is believed to have happened between midnight and 6.30pm on Tuesday, August 14 and at present no suspects have been identified.

"Anyone with information can call Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting ZY/050003/18."

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers in Kent anonymously on 0800 555 111.