Community rallies in fantastic show of support for Burnley primary school targeted twice in 10 days by raiders

So far, around £750 has been raised for St Stephen's Primary School to install CCTV cameras after the break-ins which left staff and pupils devastated.

The first break in happened at the school in Woodgrove Road in the early hours of last Friday (October 16th).

Intruders damaged office furniture and broke into the safe although no cash is kept on the site.

They stole two laptops, stamps and the school keys so all the locks on the premises had to be changed.

But intruders targeted the premises again on Sunday evening, just as the half term break started, breaking in and causing more damage.

Parent Jenna Parrington launched a fund raising campaign with a £1,000 target to help raise the money to replace the stolen items, after the first burglary.

Jenna, who has a son Noah in year two at the school and a little girl Ava who attends the school's Fledglings group, said: "School is a safe place for our children and to have it invaded like this is just something else they have had to deal with this year.

"I also feel for the staff who have kept the school running and a happy place after everything that has been thrown their way over the past few months. Their morale must be shot."

Jenna said the school is close to many people's hearts in the surrounding community and they had shown their support through donations to the fund. She said that parents would also be shocked to hear the school had been broken into a second time.

Headteacher Mrs Jo Roberts has expressed thanks for the fund raising campaign saying: "We are so thankful for the kindness of our parents and families.

"We are hoping to install CCTV with the funds raised."

Just six months ago the school was celebrating its 150th anniversary with a special exhibition of photographs, memorabilia and VIP guests including former students Rachel Brown-Finnis, who played football for England and actress Julia Howarth.

Rachel recalled her days at St. Stephen’s and how, with the encouragement of Mr. Philip Lombard, progressed along her career path as England goalkeeper, playing 82 games in that role, allowing her the opportunity to play internationally and travel worldwide. She is now back in England appearing as a TV commentator for women’s football.

Although Julia was unable to attend on the day due to her rehearsal schedule she spoke to the gathering via video link about how a visit to Burnley Youth Theatre inspired her to become an actress, going on to appear in top TV 'soap' Coronation Street, as popular character Claire Peacock, for eight years.

Anyone who would like to make a donation to St Stephen's can do so by clicking HEREhttps://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ststephensprimary