Schools rally together after Wednesfield primary ravaged by fire

Arson-hit St Albans Primary School in Wednesfield is closed all this week and will not reopen until after half term.

It went up in flames Thursday night with fire tearing through the roof of the school hall.

It is believed to have started after vandals accessed the flat roof and set fire to a disused water tank.

The school's 177 pupils yesterday began lessons elsewhere.

Berrybrook Primary School in Underhill has taken on pupils from Reception up to Year 4, while Coppice High School is hosting Year 5 and Year 6 children.

And The Hub at Ashmore Park, which caters for the area's library and community centre, has accommodated nursery youngsters.

St Albans executive headteacher Helen Morris said: "The reaction from everyone offering to help has been heart-warming - it's shown there's a lot of community spirit around here.

"We're delighted and touched by what everyone's done for us.

"They've gone out of their way to accommodate the pupils."

Another donation has come from Oak Meadow Primary School which has leant out its minibus.

Mrs Morris added: "Fingers crossed everything will be back to normal in a couple of weeks.

"Obviously it was devastating at first but the support we've had has been so uplifting.

"Everybody's really rallied round and done what they can to make sure the children's education can continue.

"It's wonderful that every single pupil is being educated this week."

Contractors are on site at St Albans repairing the roof.

Fortunately none of the classrooms were affected by the fire and it is hoped pupils will return on February 23.

Around 50 firefighters tackled the blaze on Thursday night.

Police said the crime struck at the heart of the Ashmore Park community.

They have since reviewed CCTV and the building has been examined by forensic experts.