Oxfordshire is to receive almost £122,000 to improve security in schools.

The money, which comes from the Government's Department for Education and Skills, will pay for fences, CCTV cameras and security access systems to help prevent attacks, trespassing, vandalism, theft and arson attacks.

The grant is part of a £10m drive to improve school security across the country, which was announced on January 1 by Young People and Learning Minister, Ivan Lewis.

The grant was welcomed by Oxfordshire County Council's executive member for schools, Cllr Tony Crabbe. He said: "I welcome any money that comes to the county. We don't suffer as badly as some inner-city areas though we do have our problems and any cash is welcome if it helps solve them.

"You have to make sure you keep intruders out of schools, as the safety of children is paramount. Most incidents, such as vandalism and arson, occur out of school hours. So if we can reduce those that would also be good."

He added: "We don't want to turn our schools into fortresses but we do need to keep out intruders."

Mr Lewis said: "Much good work has already been done by local education authorities through previous funding, but there's still more to do. The £10m will enable them to build on the positive improvements already under way."

The size of the grant is related to the number of pupils studying at state schools in the county and was worked out using a national funding formula. Specific projects will be chosen after consultation with schools. The grants can be topped up by the county council.

Incidents at Oxfordshire schools last year included the arrest of Somerset warehouseman Clive Kemmish, who entered schools and ripped children's trousers. The 38-year-old was put on probation and given 75 hours of community service after admitting six charges of criminal damage. Another 91 offences were taken into consideration.

The six charges related to attacks at Wood Green School, Witney, Gosford Hill School, Kidlington, Marlborough School, Woodstock, and the Park Sports Centre at Wheatley between July 11, 2000, and March 26 last year.

In December 2000, vandals caused £8,000 damage at Bicester Community College.