A Shropshire school had hundreds of pounds of damage done to it after thieves smashed their way in and made off with a classroom projector worth almost £600.

Staff at Adams’ Grammar School in Newport are without a classroom projector after thieves forced their way into the school through a door and ripped out the teaching aid which was suspended from the ceiling.

Thieves broke into the school some time between 7pm and 9pm on Friday.

Gillian Barber, spokeswoman for the school, said: “The original purchase cost of the projector was £556 so the replacement cost will no doubt be more than that.

“The damage done in the theft will involve the cost of replacing the section of suspended ceiling from where the projector was ripped, replacement of the associated electrical cabling and replacement of the exterior doors.

“Staff who used the overhead projector will obviously have to work around it.

“They are experienced and talented teachers, who for the time being will not have the benefit of this resource. It is an inconvenience to them but their pupils will not suffer as a result.

“Replacement costs are being determined currently.”

Chris Ammonds, spokesman for Telford police, said it was believed the thieves made their escape down Beaumaris Road, Newport, and added forensic officers were sent to the school.

Anyone with information can call 0300 3333000.