VANDALS have ruined the hard work of green fingered youngsters - by uprooting trees they planted near their school.

Pupils from Claremont School were devastated when up to 100 of the saplings they planted for a borough-wide initiative were dug up and destroyed.

Now, residents in the area of Claremont Park have been asked to keep an eye out in case the vandals strike again.

The school's deputy head, Gary Smith, fumed: "The children have been told and are very upset to have all their hard work ruined.

"We are all disappointed when you look at how much effort went into the planting.

"But the youngsters are determined to have another go, so we are going to replant on the same patch."

The school was one of ten taking part in the Branching Out For Blackpool campaign which involved planting saplings in parks around the resort.

It was a partnership between Blackpool Borough Council and the local community for the benefit of the community.

And client services manager Dave Dixon-Smith said everyone involved was appalled at the action.

"This is especially so when these children who have taken such an interest in their environment.

"The vandals have undone all the good work of the partnership and it is a great shame.

"We are now hoping to plant some more saplings with the children early in the New Year."

Anyone with information on the vandalism is being asked to call the police or the council on 625212.

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