OBSCENE graffiti has been sprayed on the walls and a classroom broken into at a New Forest secondary school.

More than £1,000 worth of damage has been caused and now head teacher Chris Willsher has appealed for help from the community to find those responsible.

He has already handed CCTV footage to police and said he believes some of those responsible for the criminal damage are ex-students.

Vandals spray-painted obscene graffiti on to the walls of the North Street school's Nichols Building at around 9.45pm on Sunday December 3.

More spray-paint was used to damage the Gurney Dixon Building, performing arts centre and science block between 5.45pm and 6.45pm on Tuesday December 5.

Offenders also climbed into the school's walled garden and broke into the classroom there.

In a letter to parents Mr Willsher said the damage was the first such incident in more than 10 years.

He said: "I wish to reassure parents and students that we have reported these incidents to the police and in several instances have been able to supply clear CCTV footage.

"If any parents, students or members of the wider community can shed any light on who might be involved, I would appreciate any information. All information will be treated in the strictest confidence."

Mr Willsher said he will be "pursuing these matters forcefully and seeking compensation for the damage caused."

And he added: "Apart from anything else, I would rather the time and money that is being spent on putting right this damage was being spent on something which would improve provision for our children."

A spokesman for Hampshire Police said: "We are investigating two incidents of criminal damage at Priestlands School in Lymington.

"Anyone with information about these incidents should contact Hampshire Constabulary on 101 quoting RMS 44170470680."