A school has expressed its heartbreak after its parent-run tuck shop was “ransacked”.

The break-in took place at Gad’s Hill School in Gravesend Road, Higham, on Monday (September 9).

The tuck shop is run by parent volunteers to raise funds for the benefit of the pupils at the school.

Head teacher Paul Savage said: “In recent years, they have organised a number of events to help purchase play equipment, karate mats, new football goals, and light and sound equipment for our theatre.

“In the early hours of Monday morning, the Friends café, from where they sell refreshments for our community before and after the school day, was broken into by thieves.

“Having failed to gain access to any other part of the school site, the thieves made off with stock from the café.”

He says the break-in has been reported to police.

Following the incident, a GoFundMe has been set up to help the private school rebuild its tuck shop. It has already raised more than £1,000.

Organiser Emma Simpson-Jones said: “All the stock we had just restocked was stolen, and the shop was left damaged and unsecure.

“This tuck shop isn’t just a place for treats, it’s one of our main sources of funds to support activities and bring joy to our students.

“The Friends of the school have worked so hard to make this a special place for our kids, and it’s heartbreaking to see it targeted like this.”

They are raising funds to restock the shop and to buy a new opening, lock, security system and lighting. Donations can be made here.

Mr Savage added: “As heartbreaking as this was for the Friends, who have put so many hours of their own time into fundraising for our children, the response to the appeal for donations has been remarkable and a wonderful reminder of the strength and spirit of our wider community.

“The willingness to support each other in difficult times has been such a pleasant silver lining to a sad event.”

Police have been approached for comment.