PLUCKY youngsters showed that they had strong roots last week when they replaced the trees that were vandalised at their Ilminster school.

With help from the town council, local businesses and members of the community, the students from Swanmead Community School replanted Rowan trees outside the school where the original trees were broken in June.

Brian Ferris, of Lanes Garden Shop, said: “It’s showing what the community and the school thinks of vandals.

“I asked the school if they would like some help to restore the trees and that’s what they’ve done.

“Barrington Nurseries supplied the trees and Peter Turner of Town and Country donated some bags of compost which the children used to plant the trees.

“The costs were met by the town council, businesses and members of the Ilminster community – a fantastic group effort.”

Acting head teacher Rob McLaughlin said: “The children were quite upset and annoyed when the trees had been attacked, but it’s been a great educational experience for them to replant these Rowan trees and they’ve had a great time too.”