SECURITY patrols at Darwen Vale High School are to be stepped up and CCTV network increased after vandals caused £2,000 of damage to the school over the weekend.

The school on Blackburn Road was repairing 27 windows which were smashed by the vandals overnight on Saturday. The hooligans used an old piece of fencing post to break the windows.

Head Lynn Dunning said: "We are absolutely appalled at the extent of this mindless vandalism.

"Twenty seven windows represents a significant intentional target. We are determined to put an end to this waste of time, money and effort."

She said the school's existing security CCTV camera network was to be immediately extended and security patrols were also being increased.

She added: "Intruders on the school grounds can be identified from the camera recordings and the police will be informed.

"We shall pursue anyone trespassing within the school grounds, whether or not involved in theft or damage.

"The sad thing is that the cost of all this security, and repairing damage, will use school funds which were intended to improve facilities for the education and welfare of our pupils."

She said she was angered when she thought of the vast time and effort spent by many parents, staff and governors to raise funds for the improvement of the school's facilities, only to find that this type of needless expenditure had to be met.

Private security firms have been used to patrol the grounds of Darwen's schools since the innovative School Link was introduced in 1996.

Darwen Headteachers Association set up the network, thought to be the first in the country.

Nine schools, including the town's two secondary schools, pledged their support to the special patrols which use cameras to present parents of culprits with video and photographic evidence.

Sgt Andrea Bradbury, of Darwen police, said anybody with any information about the incident should call them on 353820.

In August this year, police warned youngsters they were risking their lives after vandalism attacks on Darwen schools.

Darwen Vale and Avondale County Primary on Durham Road both had windows smashed, with children being the main suspects.