Pupils collecting to raise money for school items have had pots of change stolen, prompting parents to start a crowdfunding page.

Park Wood School in Deanwood Drive, Rainham, was broken into yesterday at about 6pm.

The thieves made off with about £250 in 5ps.

The money was being collected in two jars, one for the infant school and another for the rest of the pupils.

The plan was to count each pot at Easter with the people who collected the most getting to keep their change to buy something for the class.

Any left over was going to the parents' association for additional items or outings.

Head teacher Alex Moir said each class at the school in Deanwood Drive had been collecting money for about two months.

The break-in happened after the school closed on Wednesday and the alarm went off minutes later.

Mr Moir said: "I feel sad for the children and sad for those who find it acceptable to stoop so low. It's like stealing from a child's piggy bank".

He has reassured his 620 pupils that they will not lose out as a result of the theft with fundraising amount reaching £3,000 in just over 24 hours.

A GoFundMe page was set up by parent Kelly Jagga to replace the stolen money.

She said: "My daughters' school has been doing the Parentkind 5p challenge which is when the children donate 5ps to help raise money.

"Now I know that my girls took money from their own money boxes to do this and I’m sure there are plenty more out there who did the same, along with lots of kind families who also gave 5ps for their children to take in."

A police spokesman said: "We are investigating a report a school in Deanwood Drive, Rainham, was burgled between 6pm and 6.20pm on Wednesday.

"Charity collection jars are reported to have been stolen and at present no suspects have been identified.

"Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call Kent Police on 01634 792209 quoting 30-0342.

"You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or at Crimestoppers-uk.org."

To donate, visit www.tinyurl.com/ParkwoodSchool

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