PARENTS and staff at a Hyndburn school that was targeted in a racist arson attack have rallied together to campaign for better security.

More than 500 people have signed a petition demanding more security, in particular an improved perimeter fence, for Sacred Heart RC, which was petrol bombed during recent race riots in the borough.

Jackie Williams, headteacher at the school in Bradshaw Row, Church, said: "This has been a long time problem and governors had already approached LEA to try and get security fencing.

"In the interim we have had the petrol bombs which brought into focus how important security is. The people who did the petrol bombing picked the school because it is an easy target.

"And while some people use the grounds as a short cut others come in and pull tiles off the roof and put windows through.

"Every week a window is broken or half a dozen tiles are off the roof - it is just wasted money repairing it all the time."

The current fence around the building is only very low and while the building itself is secure because of Hyndburn Borough Council's efforts the grounds, which are Lancashire County Council's responsibility, are currently easily accessible.

Because of gaps in the fence and its height there are also concerns for the children's safety during breaks and lunchtime.

Hyndburn MP Greg Pope said: "The fire bombing is only the latest incident. This is something which should have been sorted out years ago."

Mr Pope will now take the petition to Christopher Trinnick, chief education officer for Lancashire, and county councillors. He will also contact Estelle Morris, secretary of state for education and skills, to ask for government help.

A man has appeared before Hyndburn magistrates charged with a racially aggravated criminal damage at the school.