Loxdale Primary School Bilston shut after metal thefts

A school in the West Midlands where thieves caused damage put at £30,000 will be closed until the New Year.

Loxdale Primary School, Bilston, which was broken into around midnight on Sunday, is set to reopen on 7 January.

Lead from the roof and pipework were taken, which led to flooding in the school's offices and some classrooms.

Head teacher Trish Scott said: "We were not left with any choice other than to shut the school while the repairs are carried out."

She said staff were "devastated" by the incident and the school had to be closed for some weeks because of the extent of the damage.

'So supportive'

"We'll be working hard over the next few weeks to get the repairs carried out as soon as possible and we're hopeful that they will be completed in time for pupils to return to the school on Monday January 7," she said.

The school has said it will still be able to hold its Christmas party and carol concert, which has been moved to St Martin's Church on Thursday 20 December.

Vicar of St Martin's, the Reverend Raphael Duckett, agreed the school could use the church hall.

Mrs Scott said the local community had been "so supportive" in helping rearrange Christmas events so pupils would not miss out.

Parents and guardians will be given updates about the reopening of the school via the its text messaging service and its website, a spokesman said.