YOUNG dancers preparing for a big night in London were shocked to find their Weymouth studio had been wrecked by vandals.

Mercury Dance Academy pupils had gathered at their Chapel Lane property ahead of their performance in Stars In Their Eyes 2008 at Her Majesty's Theatre.

But when principal Jenny Glover opened up the building she discovered it had been trashed.

Mirrors were covered in graffiti, doors kicked in, money stolen and clothes and paperwork left scattered everywhere.

Police say the attack was the third attack at the studio in just over a month.

The building was flooded after intruders ripped apart a water pipe last Thursday.

And treasured dance memorabilia was lost in a suspected arson attack in April.

More than 30 had gathered at the property when they stumbled across the latest damage.

Karen Woodward, whose granddaughter Antonia attends the academy, said the building had only just been cleaned up after Thursday's flooding.

She said: "Jenny arrived on Sunday and we just heard this tremendous scream. The place had been completely trashed. They'd pushed clothes rails over and there was paperwork everywhere.

"They'd spray-painted world peace' on the mirrors, which we found very bizarre.

"They took £10 from the dance shop but the computer was still there. This wasn't about theft.

"Everyone at the dance school feels like it's a personal attack. It's Jenny's dance studio but it's also ours."

Mrs Woodward stayed behind with parents to repair the studio as Ms Glover and her students headed for London.

She said: "It was a fantastic opportunity, it's invitation only.

"They did extremely well and danced with Bonnie Langford. They were noted for their innovative choreography."

Mrs Woodward said she was very angry' the academy was being targeted.

She said: "Lots of the youngsters have important exams in September and they're putting up with this.

"Jenny and her students are out there representing the academy and Weymouth, and people should be proud of them. I hope those responsible will get complacent and make a mistake soon, because they won't win."

Ms Glover said she was absolutely devastated' when she discovered the damage.

She said: "I can't believe there are people who actually want to do this. I feel victimised.

"It's so upsetting to come into a dance studio that's been turned over. Every time I arrive I'm dreading what I'm going to find.

"But if this is a way of trying to get rid of me it's not going to work, I'm staying.

"It's an amazing school with a lovely atmosphere. Why would anybody want to destroy that?"

Ms Glover said she cannot fault' the academy youngsters for their efforts recently.

She added: "They've done brilliantly and they danced beautifully in London.

"The children have been so courageous and all this adversity has just made the school stronger."

A Dorset Police spokesman said: "We believe these incidents were planned. We're doing everything we can to find whoever is responsible but we need help from people."

Contact police on 01305 222222.