HUNDREDS of pounds of damage was caused by thieves who broke into a Greenmount school.

The caretaker of Holly Mount RC Primary alerted police on Sunday night (Jan 7) after discovering the destruction to offices and classrooms.

The raiders had forced windows to gain entry to the isolated school. A security system, including CCTV cameras, was smashed.

A quantity of cash and several digital cameras were later found to have been stolen.

It is the second time in two weeks that the school has been targeted by raiders.

Head teacher Mr David Golding spoke, yesterday, of his heartbreak as he faced the latest round of destruction caused by intruders.

He said: "Those responsible have left a mess in their wake. It would appear they knew exactly where to go and what they were doing.

"The main destruction has been caused to the office areas. They have been ransacked and a certain amount of property has been stolen.

"The security system has been replaced as a matter of urgency. The repair bill could reach the four figure mark."

The school managed to carry on with lessons yesterday despite the mess left by the intruders.

Anyone who can help the police with their investigations should contact Ramsbottom police station on 0161 856 8181.