STAFF and pupils at a Wirral school have been left devastated by the 'senseless vandalism' of a bench in memory of a much-loved pupil.

The custom-made buddy bench at Prenton Primary was created in memory of Cole Breadner, who passed away in February 2014.

It features silhouettes of Cole and his two brothers, the youngest of whom still attends the school.

It has since been repaired and re-sited on the playground in hope that this type of criminal action doesn't happen again.

But the search for those responsible continues.

Headteacher Sandra Lloyd said: "Staff and pupils at Prenton Primary School are devastated that over the weekend the memorial buddy bench for Cole Breadner has been senselessly vandalised.

"Cole was a much-loved pupil at Prenton who sadly died during his time in year six five years ago.

"If anyone knows anything about this incident could they please contact the police immediately

"If anyone witnessed this destruction of property, we would be grateful for any information. Contact us by emailing schooloffice@prentonprimary.wirral.sch.uk or 0151 608 2958."

Cole was just 10-years-old when he died in February 2014, just 16 weeks after being diagnosed with the rare and aggressive Burkitt’s lymphoma.

Cole, described by his teachers as a credit to his family, was known for his ever-changing hairstyles and his smile, as well as his love of Everton Football Club.

After his death, teachers at the school thought long and hard about a fitting and lasting tribute, coming up with "Cole's Cup" – a knockout football tournament.

The inaugural event, in July 2014, featured 16 teams from primary schools across Wirral battling it out to be crowned champions.

St George's Primary School won the tournament, which raised close to £1,000 for cancer charities.

Cole was also remembered with the release of 400 balloons from the school.

His mum, 37-year-old Jackie, told the Globe at the time that she was extremely touched by the school's tribute to her son.

She said Cole - who had found out he had passed his 11 plus exam the day before his diagnosis and gained a place at Wirral Grammar - had loved school and even when he was poorly, had attended at every opportunity.

“It was October and Cole had just sat his 11-plus and I thought he was just a bit anxious about his results and a bit run down because he just didn’t seem himself.

“He got his results through and he had got 94%. He was a very clever boy.

"Cole was known for his ever-changing hairstyles and his smile because he always had a smile on his face.

"He was such a lovely boy and everyone put tributes in his memory box to say they would miss his hairstyles."