Mindless vandals allegedly broke into a school library bus which was being renovated as a creative space before trashing it.

The double-decker bus was being decorated with artwork designed by Quentin Blake, a former pupil at Holy Trinity Lamorbey Primary School, and was set to open as a library next month.

However, vandals broke into the bus on the school grounds on Saturday (October 22) allegedly ripping books and trashing it.

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Holy Trinity/Streetview

A spokeswoman for the School's PTA, who fundraised for the bus, said on Facebook: "Uncaring idiots thought they would use it to drink and smoke in.

"They didn't just stop at breaking and entering, but trashed some of the homemade fences, the newly-upholstered seats, some of the children's books and doors.

"This is such a set back for us. So much time and effort has been invested in this to be ruined overnight."

The bus had been renovated in time for a grand opening after half term. Parents had fundraised to renovate the bus and spent all day on Sunday trying to rectify the damage.

The spokeswoman continued: "It was truly devastating to find the bus in such a sorry state after all the hours of work that's gone into it, and so very close to the finish line as well.

"It's soul destroying to think there are such sad people out there, not only to have broken in to use it as they wished, but to then cause further mindless damage too. Pretty unbelievable really."

Karen Joy, chair of the PTA, said they are looking to raise about £3,000 to increase security measures around the bus.

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She said: "It's really disheartening that this has happened. People have given up so much of their time and effort to make this a good space.

"They seemed to come in and use it as a place to drink and smoke. It's just not on. We are going to need CCTV and floodlights and new locks on the gates.

"It's not just the damage but the waste of people's time and effort making it safe and nice in time for the opening."

People have been quick to offer support to the PTA to help restore the damage.Donations of hundreds of pounds have been offered along with more books for the library, which is hoped to still open as planned on November 15.

Mrs Joy said: "It's really lovely that people have pulled together so quickly though. The parents at the school are fantastic and the local community have already been really supportive. It's nice to see people come together when something like this happens."

The PTA is asking anybody with information to get in touch at htlpta@hotmail.co.uk.

Donations can be made here.