KIND parents and community members rallied round to support a Stourport school left devastated by the theft of wheels from its minibus.

Thieves are believed to have entered the ground of Burlish Park Primary School on Tuesday (February 13), stealing the front and spare wheels from the vehicle.

To compound the misery for children and staff, the perpetrators managed to get inside and cause further damage.

But parents and relatives of the pupils were left so upset by hearing the news of the school’s predicament, they got together to contribute a PTA fund to cover the insurance excess and purchase new tyres.

A community-spirited businessman, who wishes to remain anonymous, also stepped up to loan the school his company’s own minibus so that 60 Year One children could still go on their planned trip to Hartlebury Castle on the following morning.

The school minibus was only purchased four years ago following a determined fundraising campaign by the school’s Parent Teacher Association.

Burlish Park headteacher Kerry Postans said they were overwhelmed by the response to the theft.

She said: “Our minibus is vital to our school community. It is regularly used to take our children on school trips and to participate in local sporting events.

“We are extremely grateful for the support from our parents and local community. It has been amazing to see everyone pull together; we are touched by their generosity.”

Anyone with any information on the theft is urged to contact West Mercia Police on 101 or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.