Young people left devastated after mindless yobs vandalised special trees in their graden are all smiles after their faith was restored thanks to the local community.

Beaumont Primary School's Friendship Garden was targeted last week, with vandals destroying trees which had only recently been planted in memory of Sabiha Makkan, who was the previous chair of governors at the school.

The cherry blossom trees had been snapped.

The school set up a GoFundMe page on Tuesday (May 23) at 3pm, and  exceeded its target of £700, and raised £810 in a short space of time.

The Bolton News:

Headteacher Stacey Postle has described the act as “mindless” but has been left “astounded” at how much was raised, which she says highlights the community spirit.

She said: “We were astounded by the pace in which people donated.

“It was heart-warming to see the people who had donated were past employees and past parents, and current parents, and current staff, and some anonymous donations as well.”

Mrs Postle says that “no matter how much” people gave, every penny will be we spent improving the area.

Since the school raised more than their target, they will also use this to plant more wildflower matting.

Mrs Postle added: “I just want to thank everybody who has donated.

“And after such a horrible shock over a mindless act, I am glad there is a positive.

“The garden is a special place to make friends and remember our wonderful Chair of Governors Mrs Makkan who passed away.”

The trees will be the first thing that will be replaced with a like for like, as well as Mrs Postle also looking into improving CCTV at the school.

The original garden was made possible through donations from parents and family members.

The garden was also created to symbolise the school's commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive environment.

At the time Mrs Postle called for the vandals to apologise and “do the right thing” and replace what they damaged.

Police Community Support Officers also visited the school following the incident, and officers said they a were looking at CCTV footage to identify those involved.

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