PUPILS at The Dell Primary School were left deeply upset after finding that vandals had caused damage to their conservation area.

The site, which has been part of the school since it was established in 1989, was left in disarray after vandals broke into the school grounds earlier this week.

The nature area can house around 60 of the 115 pupils at the school and is used throughout the year.

Bird boxes that were donated by several people from the community and provided by the PTA were smashed to pieces.

Wooden logs, plastic barrels and other debris were also thrown into the school pond, which borders the grounds of Chepstow Castle.

The sad scenes were discovered by a small group of pupils today.

Head teacher Steve King said: "A lot of people, including the PTA, have put a lot of money into this area.

"It's a shame that people have gone in and ruined it for the children. It's not really safe for the kids to go in there.

"They were upset. It's a lovely space, quite peaceful. The kids would often go there to read, do project work or group work away from everyone else."

A Gwent Police spokesperson said that the incident occurred sometime between May 10th and 11th.

If you have any information, please contact Gwent Police on 101 quoting log number 143 13/06/16.