SCHOOLCHILDREN due to watch the Tour de France on their bikes had their plans ruined when burglars struck.

Raiders broke into a locked trailer at Ramsden Hall School, in School Lane, Langham, and took eight bikes, worth about £5,000.

The school won tickets to watch the Tour de France yesterday and take part in cycling events in Chelmsford.

Headteacher Emma Paramor said: “We’re devastated. The pupils are feeling let down. We’re such a small school – these kids don’t have much.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101.

Read the full story in today's Gazette.