SAD schoolchildren are appealing for donations after their shed was gutted by fire.

Firefighters were called to Graham James Primary School, in The Sorrells, Stanford-le-Hope.

Students, who take part in gardening club, were left devastated after equipment was damaged.

Leanne Willis, mum to eight-year-old Hayden, said: “My son was gutted. He said he didn’t understand how such a thing could have happen.

They basically want to appeal to businesses to come forward and help.”

Ms Willis, 29, of Woodbrooke Way, added: “They really enjoyed the club and are hoping to start up soon again. Homebase in Vange has already been very kind and donated a shed.”

Damaged gardening equipment included forks, hoes, spades, rakes, buckets, gloves, pots of varying sizes and a variety of seeds.

Headteacher, Petra Back, said: “The worst part about the fire was the look on the children’s faces as they walked into school and saw the damage.

They were so upset and confused, and the Year 6 pupils were asking: ‘Why would anyone want to damage our school?’ “The Gardening Club was distraught as they really enjoy tending to the beds we have outside and take great pride in what they grow and enjoy learning all about the different plants and flowers.”

The school can be contacted on 01375 675889.