THERE are hopes a small playground area for Sauchie school children can be restored before the end of the summer after being vandalised.

Shock and upset followed the discovery of damage at Lochies and Deerpark schools, where a small playground which was carefully designed to accommodate pupils with mobility issues was targeted sometime between July 8 and 15.

Police are involved and are looking for those responsible, meanwhile Lochies headteacher Rhoda MacDougall thanked the local community for its offers of help in making it a "wonderful play area again".

She said: "It was so upsetting when we discovered the mess left by vandals in this area, which is especially for children from both Lochies and Deerpark who need a quieter place to play.

"We have been so fortunate in getting support and donations from Glenochil Prison, Avant Homes, Sauchie Community Gardening Group and many more to develop this space and it's so sad to see all that hard work destroyed.

"Lots of time, care and attention has gone into making this play area accessible for our learners but especially for those who have mobility issues."

Images posted on the school's social media showcased the degree of devastation caused with play equipment and the grounds damaged.

It is understood some items may have been set alight, but if there was a fire it was extinguished long before the damage was discovered.

However, there are hopes that with the involvement of hard working locals, the play area could be restored before children return for the next school term.

The headteacher said: "We have been very encouraged by the response from our families, friends and the local community who have been in touch to offer their help in making this a wonderful play area again.

"Hopefully, it will be fully restored and ready for our children returning to school after the summer."

Local police officers are investigating and are urging everyone with information to come forward.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Police in Alloa are investigating following vandalism at a school in Sauchie.

"The incident happened sometime between Monday, July 8, and Monday, July 15, and resulted in various objects, which were on the external wall of the premises being damaged."