Last month a special party was organised by the Variety Club Scotland to cheer up the teachers and pupils of St Martin’s Primary school after their premises in Castlemilk were vandalised beyond use over the May bank holiday weekend.

The break-in at their old building in Ardencraig Road, left the school homeless because they were not due to move in to their new location at John Paul II Primary school, Dunagoil Road, until two weeks later. However after contacting Glasgow City Council, they were allowed to move in early.

Vandals left many windows broken, all the computers damaged, a cot broken and even the goldfish dead. The total cost of the damage was £50,000.

Five children, aged between 9 and 14 years old, have been referred to the Children’s Reporter in relation to the vandalism.

The sixth person involved was Darren McFarlane (16), who appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court, on 1 June on a charge of malicious mischief and a further housebreaking charge. He made no plea and was released on bail.

After hearing of the destruction, David McBride and Jack Zimmer, both of the Variety Club decided to show the youngsters that not everybody is as bad as the vandals and organised a party at Castlemilk Community Centre.

The children certainly had a great time. They were entertained by Cheeko the Clown who put on a really funny show. They played pass the parcel, sang karaoke songs and danced. The free ice cream and goody bags also went down a treat with the 85 children and 22 staff.

Jack said, ‘After hearing about the terrible mess at the school I was very angry. I felt really sorry for the children and staff. So this is why we decided to have this party which has proved a great success judging by the smiles on the kids’ faces.’

Mary Shields, Head Teacher of the school said, ‘The vandalism has been a big shock for everybody at the school. However we are delighted with the party put on by the Variety Club. It has been good to see the pupils and staff smiling again.’