STAFF at Callington Community College are helping police in trying to trace those involved in an arson attack at the school in the early hours of last Saturday, which destroyed four minibuses.

College headteacher Gary Lobbett said staff and students were disappointed and saddened by the vandalism.

'The minibuses are used on a daily basis to transport students and staff involved in numerous sporting and enrichment activities and for the enjoyment of young people,' he said.

Fire crews were called to the college at 4.40am on Saturday where they found the vehicles well alight.

Officers used two sets of breathing apparatus, two hosereels and a jet connected to a hydrant to extinguish the fires. They also used crash rescue equipment to gain access to the engine compartments.

Scenes of crime officers were at the college on Saturday and have taken CCTV footage away.

Among the activities the minibuses are used for are to transport children home from after schools clubs whose parents cannot collect them, for fixtures and events at other schools and on Friday afternoons as part of PEP (Positive Education Programme) which this term involves youngsters going off-site to horse ride, fish and ski.

Callington portreeve Karen Gold said: 'I am very saddened by this mindless vandalism. The ones that are going to miss out are the youngsters who rely on the minibuses for school transport. The town council will support the college in any way it can.'

The matter is being dealt with by East Cornwall CID.?Anyone with information should call the police on 08452 777444 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, quoting BN/11/119.