ARSONISTS have burnt down a primary school shed just weeks after children started planting a new organic garden.

Children at Cholsey Primary School were left devastated by Sunday’s arson attack.

The blaze destroyed the shed, tools, and seedlings planted out by children as part of the new garden project. It will cost £1,200 to rebuild the shed and replace the tools.

PTA member Judy Collins, who has worked with children on setting up the garden, said it was a “mindless” act of destruction.

The organic fruit and vegetable garden was only created in the Easter holidays in conjunction with local eco-group Sustainable Wallingford.

Volunteers were teaching the children about growing fruit and vegetables, and then using them in school cookery classes.

Mrs Collins said the project, which has been funded by the PTA and NPower, would not be stopped by the vandals.

She said: “The shed, its contents and many plants potted up by the children were completely destroyed in the blaze. Volunteers kindly cleared the site on Sunday morning.

“The school is determined to not let this mindless act of destruction put an end to this very exciting garden project.

“We would really appreciate any donations of spare vegetable plants and tools such as spades, forks or anything useful.”

School business manager Alison Nathanielsz said: “The children were shocked. It is the first time this has happened to us.”

She added: “We had just started planting the vegetables, and the seedlings have been destroyed.

“They did not even break open the lock to steal the tools. The padlock was about the only thing that survived.”

Call police on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 if you have any information.