Police probing a suspected hate crime at a special school have treated pupils to a fun day out.
Staff and students at Hadrian School in Benwell, Newcastle, were horrified when they discovered vile slurs aimed at the pupils, had been painted on the school’s signs and playground, and with paint thrown over the children’s specialist equipment.
The school's minibus windows were also smashed, during the vandalism spree last April.
Following the incident the community pulled together and tens of thousands of pounds were raised to help pay repair the damage.
Northumbria Police said it was treating the vandalism as a 'hate crime', however those responsible were never identified.
So, in a bid to raise the pupils' spirits one local police officer decided to treat them to a fun day out this spring.
PC Paul Westwood organised an 'access all areas' trip to Clark's Fair, in Fenham , who granted the school free access to the attraction before the gates had even opened.
This meant the youngsters could enjoy the rides without the large crowds and loud music.
PC Westwood said: "The Clark family have been holding the fair for a number of years and always liaise with police ahead of their opening.
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"This year they really wanted to give something back to the local community and so they got in touch with me to see if I could help.
"I immediately thought of Hadrian School who have remained so positive since the mindless vandalism at the school last year.
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"But thanks to the generosity of the Clark family they were able to enjoy an incredible day out and I am proud to be part of their special day."
They also bagged up popcorn and candy-floss for the children to take away with them.
Christopher Rollings, headteacher at Hadrian School, said: "We were all so grateful and just this morning one of my staff came to see me to tell me how amazing the day was.
"Not only did the kids have a great time but the police and fairground workers were so good that the staff could relax and have a great time too.
"We are just so extremely grateful that the officers thought of us and it is overwhelming the kindness we have received from the community.
"Sometimes when we work in the school we can forget just how much people outside these walls value the children here.
"After the vandalism we had here and everything it is amazing that we continue to get so much support.
"We do go out to try and engage with people but when we get unsolicited approaches from the community it really does hit home how much people care.
"I want to thank everyone involved at Northumbria Police and the staff at the fun fair. I hope we can continue to build on that relationship in the future."
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