CHILDREN were forced to stay off school today as a major clean up operation got under way following an arson attack.

Vandals set fire to the classroom at Cherry Tree CP in Farnworth after smashing a window to break in on Saturday night.

A worried neighbour rang the emergency services after she noticed flames billowing from the school at the back of her house.

The school's headteacher, Eric Brindle, said the fire in the reception class had caused thousands of pounds worth of damage.

More than 50 of Cherry Tree's youngest children had to take today off school and will be forced to have their lessons in the school hall tomorrow.

Parents and teachers have now launched a clean up operation.

Mr Brindle said: "It's absolutely awful when things like this happen.

"Our youngest children have been affected. They have not done any harm to anybody. It's really, really sad."

The woman who spotted the blaze was making a drink in the kitchen of her home in St Catherine's Drive when she saw the flames.

She said: "I looked out of the window at about 11.30pm and saw the fire. I rang the fire service and police and they arrived in minutes."

The woman, who did not want to be named, added: "We have quite a bit of trouble in the area with vandals.

"Neighbours have had their car windows smashed and kids are playing football against the church. We want the path that leads from the school to our estate fenced off.

"It is a lovely close and all the neighbours are really friendly but we want this sorted out. I am just so glad I did not go to bed early. I might not have spotted the flames and the fire might have been a lot worse."

Fire spokesman Sub Officer Dave Smith said windows had been smashed at the school in Highfield Road and it is believed the fire, which caused 25 per cent damage to the reception class, was started deliberately.

He said: "It was particularly distressing for us as all the children's work was on the walls."