REPAIR work will need to be carried out on a school sports hall which was damaged in an arson attack.

Felicity Martin, headteacher at The Clere School, in Earlstone Common, Burghclere, has written to parents to update them on the situation after a fire broke out next to the hall on November 7, resulting in staff and pupils having to temporarily quit the site.

A 15-year-old boy, from Newbury, has been charged with arson with intent following the incident, in which 20 per cent of the hall roof was damaged. Two 14-year-old boys were released on bail.

Mrs Martin said in her letter to parents that interim plans are in place for sport and PE lessons. She added: “The hall will require some repair work, refurbishment and deep cleaning, but our hope is that there will be no necessity for major reconstruction.

“We are grateful to Hampshire County Council who have been very supportive and responded swiftly to the situation. “Currently, they continue to investigate and assess the implications of the fire.”

She congratulated children and staff for their “prompt and efficient response on the day”.