A kind-hearted community has pulled together to put a smile back on the faces of school children after their bus was trashed by vandals.

Children at Westfield Nursery and Primary School were left devastated after yobs targeted the double decker that was going to be transformed into a library and workspace.

The bus, which was donated by Stagecoach, had some of its windows smashed and the wiring ripped out.

The culprits also threw stones at the vehicle, shattering the headlights, and forced a metal pole through the windscreen.

When Alan Straughton, whose partner is on the school's board of governors, heard about what had happened a week ago, he posted pictures of the damage on the Facebook page.

Mr Straughton, who used to work at Stagecoach, then got in touch with some of his friends to ask if they could help.

This resulted in the damaged bus getting towed away on Friday morning by Frizington coach company J B Pickthall to the Stagecoach depot in Lillyhall, where it will be repaired free of charge.

"I think it's wonderful that I have got really good friends backing me," he said. "Let's get that bus back up and running for the kids."

Following an article in the Times & Star last week, donations have also been given to the cause.

Teacher Stacey Skinner said everyone at the school was grateful to those who have helped.

"We were ecstatic when we got the phone call," she said. "We've had a couple of donations on the back of the newspaper story as well."

Moorclose Councillor Denis Robertson has donated £100 of his expenses allowance towards the cause.

He said: "My grandkids used to go to this school and kids from my constituent go there. Hopefully the money will help them.

"I give away my expenses allowance every month. My motto from the start was 'I will not sit on fences or claim expenses'."

Cumberland Building Society has also donated £100.

Bryan Walkden, chief engineer for Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire, said the company will vandal proof the back window for extra security.

"We were very sad to hear the bus had been vandalised," he added. "I do hope to be able to return the vehicle to Westfield Primary School within the next two weeks."

Mr Straughton is now looking for security firms to donate CCTV to install at the school once the bus returns.