This is the sad picture of youngsters asking why vandals have driven their school to the brink of closure.

As a last-ditch effort, Nicky Brewerton, chairman of Stepping Stones Pre-School, Wickford, is thinking of enlisting a private security firm to stop the senseless attacks.

Stepping Stones, previously known as Bare Necessities, has existed in the town since 1976. It moved from its old base to the Red Cross Building in Nevendon Recreation Park at the start of the year - since when it has been plagued by vandalism and graffiti.

Mrs Brewerton said in recent days perspex panels in the front door had been kicked in, while fire doors at the back of the building had been badly damaged.

Obscene graffiti has also been sprayed on the walls of the building. She warned: "They could end up doing so much damage we could end up shutting for good. I'm going to start finding out about security firms, and closed circuit TV cameras."

Mrs Brewerton said it was also hoping to be able to rent land around the hall from Basildon Council, which it could fence off to keep out vandals and troublemakers.

Secretary, Fiona Scanlon, added: "If it closed it would be a disaster for Wickford. It's soul-destroying - we're trying to keep the reputation of the school going, yet every weekend there's more graffiti."

A total of 110 children of pre-school age attend Stepping Stones regularly, she explained, with many more on the waiting list.

A Basildon Council spokeswoman said it was currently considering an application to lease the land to Stepping Stones.

Heartbreak - youngsters and helpers examine the latest attack on their centre.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.