A SCHOOL pavilion torched in an arson attack looks set to be given the go-ahead by insurers for rebuilding work, a governors’ chairman has confirmed.

The wooden pavilion, used by students and teachers at Tavistock Primary School, was practically destroyed by the blaze on August Bank Holiday Monday.

There was concerns that there would be a lengthy wait before the structure, which originally cost £6,000, could be replaced, but the school’s chairman of governors, Darren Newland, said insurers had indicated that work could go ahead to have the gutted building replaced.

The remains of the pavilion, which confronted upset youngsters when they returned to school following their summer holidays, were taken down and trees surrounding the building were also checked to make sure they had not been damaged in the blaze.

Mr Newland said they had no firm date when the work could begin and the school was waiting on final confirmation, but added: ’The children and teachers will be happy about it, because they loved it. The fact that it looks like it’s going to be replaced makes us feel good. I have got to say the insurance company have been very helpful.’

Fire crews and police officers from Tavistock were called to the school on the Bank Holiday Monday after reports of smoke coming from the area.

Police officers praised the fire service for acting so quickly in responding to the blaze and saving trees which surrounded the pavilion. Detectives say the wooden structure, used as an outdoor classroom, within the school grounds was completely destroyed despite attempts by the fire crews to save it.

It has never been made clear whether the blaze was an accident or a deliberate attempt to set fire to the building, although Mr Newland said he believed that the incident was down to arson.

Among other theories was one that suggested youngsters were playing about with matches and the fire was started by accident.

Town police said a group of youths had been seen ’messing about’ in the area just before the fire started, which was backed up by at least one eyewitness report.

Passers-by who saw the blaze start said the pavilion went up in minutes and one added: ’Someone had already called the fire service, but I called as well when I saw the flames.

’It was scary to see that - within minutes, it was "whoosh" it just went up.’