Ten-year-old George Bradfield knew he had to do something to help when he looked through the window of his fire-damaged village school.And George, along with his brother Harry, seven, and friends Josh Jenkins, Dec Moore and Lucy Ellis, all 10 - who are all pupils at Barnham Broom Primary School - are appealing for donations to replace equipment destroyed in the suspected arson attack.

Ten-year-old George Bradfield knew he had to do something to help when he looked through the window of his fire-damaged village school.

And George, along with his brother Harry, seven, and friends Josh Jenkins, Dec Moore and Lucy Ellis, all 10 - who are all pupils at Barnham Broom Primary School - are appealing for donations to replace equipment destroyed in the suspected arson attack.

Thousands of pounds of damage was caused in the newly-refurbished school on Thursday night.

While the school is due to reopen on Monday, some areas damaged by the fire could take up to six weeks to repair.

A lot of books and games used by the youngsters - especially during playtimes when they can't get outside - were lost and it is hoped businesses and individuals will help replace them.

George said: “I just feel that my headteacher has done so much for the school and then the fire happened. I and my friends really want to help. It is a brilliant school and when I looked in the window after the fire it was awful.”

His mum Rachel said: “The headteacher has a real burden at the moment and it is down to the children and us to help.”

Josh's mum Heather said: “The children were really shocked and really want to do something. It is terrible what happened and all their resources have gone, especially things they used during wet playtimes.”

In a message to parents on the school website, headteacher Keith Wright said: “This is not exactly the start that we had planned but I wish to express my sincere thanks for all the goodwill messages that have been sent along with parents and neighbours who arrived to offer any help and support.”

Mr Wright revealed an eagle-eyed pupil spotted the smoke and alerted her father and from the time the fire was spotted it was only 15 minutes before the fire crews were on scene.

Anyone who can help with donations of books and games should ring Mrs Bradfield on 07765 687912 or Mrs Jenkins on 07724 052793.

Police and fire investigations are contin-uing at the school.

Contact Bethel Street CID on 0845 4564567 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.