Heartbroken pupils in letter blitz after arson attack

Heartbroken pupils launched a letter blitz to highlight an arson attack at a Black Country visitor centre and shame the culprits.

Sixty children at Sledmere Primary School in Dudley wrote to the Express & Star to say they were devastated to hear how vandals started a fire at Bumble Hole Nature Reserve visitor centre, which they regularly visit to learn about the area and its wildlife.

The Express & Star carried a report of the attack in Netherton when firebugs piled wood against the building and lit a bonfire, forcing its closure for several months. The roof was destroyed, electrics were ruined and the interior damaged by smoke.

The children were so upset they wrote to the newspaper to register their disgust at the vandalism and tell of their plans to organise fundraising events for the centre, which is used by a thousand visitors every month.

They have included a table top sale, prize draw and an art competition which involved them completing pictures of scenes and landmarks from around the nature reserve such as Cobb's Engine House.

Each pupil also took an envelope home which was personalised with a message such as 'Save Your Pennies for Bumble Hole' and returned to school with generous donations from family.

Headteacher Clive Danks said: "It's absolutely brilliant, the pupils visit Bumble Hole visitor centre a lot as part of the curriculum and they were devastated when they heard it had been burnt down.

"They wanted to write the letters to express how upset they were and I think it's fantastic they have put pen to paper.

"The fundraising was also all their idea as they have all been so keen to do something to help and to raise over a thousand pounds is a stunning response from the school and parents."

Secretary of Bumble Hole volunteers, Sue Goodyear, who will visit the school on Friday said: "We are totally blown away by what the children have done. we love working with them."

Repairs to the roof and rewiring will start in about three weeks.

Express & Star editor Adrian Faber said: "I was very touched by the letters. It is wonderful to see children taking such an interest in their community."