A local forest school has said it is upset after finding its Leek site damaged by vandals.

Inside Out Forest School said yesterday (Monday 26th September) that intruders to its site at Pickwood Woods had caused damage to several areas of the site.

The damage included the gate to the site being smashed and a large orange cargo net being stolen.

The vandalism follows a previous incident over the summer, in which the site had a storage container broken into.

The school has since put an appeal on social media, which has received hundreds of likes, comments and shares.

The school's director, Esther Brock, said: "It's so upsetting to yet again turn up to our wonderful Forest School Site in Pickwood Woods, Leek, to find we have had intruders and more damage!

"The top gate to the woods was been smashed in a few weeks ago, and this morning we discovered our baby sensory area (hanging bright orange builder's cargo net) has been stolen.

"This has upset me the most. Our babies and toddlers love this special and unique little area we have created for them to sit and crawl under. It has lots of bright and colourful ribbons attached and crafts that the older children from our holiday clubs have made and attached.

"Over the summer we got our storage container broken into also. I'm not sure how much I can take to be honest!

"Our woods are used daily by the Leek and wider community. We run sessions for babies and parent support groups, toddler sessions, home ed groups, children's parties, holiday camps, after school clubs and we work with children in care too. We are only a small business and these woods mean the world to us and our clients."

People have since commented their sympathies with the school on social media.

One person said: "This is upsetting and disgusting. I hope you get to the bottom of it as your camps bring so much joy."

Another added: "I'm so gutted for you. I know how much effort and hard work you and your team put in. People seem to have less and less respect for each other."

While a third commented: "Oh how awful. You have worked so hard. I hope the people who are responsible for this are caught."