ARTWORK created by schoolchildren as a 'symbol of hope' for a community has been destroyed in what the school fears was a 'suspected arson attack'.

A rainbow banner tied to the fence of The Prince of Wales School in Dorchester was destroyed in a fire on Sunday, March 7 - the day before the school reopened to all of its pupils as the road map out of lockdown took its first step.

The banner, which was made out of recycled plastic, had been created by around 50 children of key workers who had been attending school during the second national lockdown and was tied to the school's fence in January to spread hope and joy to the community.

Gary Spracklen, headteacher, received a phone call from the fire service on Sunday evening to tell him the 'disappointing' news.

He said: "It is a real shame that someone or a group of people chose to target the banner which was such a symbol of hope for our community.

"Staff and parents were very disappointed when they heard of the suspected arson attack. Luckily the children were all so excited to be back in school with their friends that they weren't too upset.

"At the school we always focus on the positive things in life and, even though this has happened, that will not change our attitude and we won't let us lose hope for the future."

Dorchester Fire Station sent one fire engine to the school when they received a call saying there was a fire on the fence at around 8.20 on Sunday evening. The fire was extinguished using one hose reel jet.

Mr Spracklen said: "I want to give a special thanks to the fire service. They were really quick and even managed to save about a third of the banner although, unfortunately, we had to take it down as the rest was destroyed.

"We have launched an appeal to on social media to replace the banner and we have had so many people in the community offering to give us donations to put something in its place which is wonderful."

A spokesman for Dorset Police said: "At around 8.30pm on March 7 it was discovered that a plastic rainbow banner that was on the front gate of The Prince of Wales School on Maiden Castle Road had been set alight.

"Enquiries are ongoing into the incident. No arrests have been made."