Vandals wreck model railway exhibition following break in at Welland Academy, Stamford

Vandals have broken into a school and wrecked model railway exhibits which had been worth thousands of pounds.

The break-in happened in the early hours of this morning (Saturday May 18) at Welland Academy, Stamford's secondary school.

Four youths have been arrested on suspicion of burglary after the alarm was raised and police entered the building with a search dog.

Peter Davies, Chairman of Market Deeping Model Railway Club, which had arranged the exhibition that was due to take place today, said: "This is devastating. I have never seen anything like it.

"It's heartbreaking. There were grown men with tears in their eyes because of what had been done, and I was one of them."

Police were alerted after the alarm was raised at around 4am. An alarm had gone off and neighbours of the school had also made calls after becoming aware of people inside the school.

"We want to give huge thanks to the caretaker, the headteacher Vicky Lloyd and other members of staff who came to help us this morning," said Mr Davies.

About 500 to 600 people were expected to visit today's exhibition, with many travelling from miles away.

Exhibits in the show that were ruined belonged to a number of model rail enthusiasts from Market Deeping and other clubs. Click here to see more photos of the damage.

Police continued their work at the school this morning, collecting statements.

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