A LOWTON School was damaged in an arson attack last week.

A storeroom at Lowton County High School, Newton Road, was set on fire after burning paper was shoved through an air vent.

Camping equipment was damaged and a liquid petroleum gas cylinder -- used in camping stoves -- exploded because of the heat.

Firefighters spent an hour at the scene. A Leigh fire service spokesman said: "The fire was in a store room which was about four metres by four metres in size.

"About 10 per cent of the camping equipment was damaged by the fire and there was also smoke damage.

"It took about two minutes to put out the fire."

He added there was evidence someone had been drinking outside the storeroom on the exterior of the building.

He said the police had been informed.