A head teacher has hailed the "tremendous community effort" which has seen all pupils back at school after a devastating arson attack.

Nursery children returned to Baildon Primary School this week, meaning all 350 pupils were now back in lessons.

A fire was started deliberately on November 18 which gutted classrooms including the newly refurbished nursery.

It ruined computers and books, knocking out power and water supplies and forcing the school in Coverdale Way to close.

But parents, staff and friends rallied round and the school re-opened to some pupils just over a week later, using the hall, gymnasium and portable buildings as temporary classrooms.

Head teacher Michael Curtin said: "The nursery pupils have come back for the first time, so considering what happened just three to four weeks ago it's tremendous to see everyone back in class.

"The work of staff, parents and everyone else connected to the school has been fantastic. I could not have asked for more."

The school is holding a series of planned Christmas concerts this week.

Mr Curtin said the school had received a variety of generous offers from family and friends, businesses and members of the public.

He said: "We have been very fortunate to receive £5,000 from Bradford & Bingley, and Dacre, Son & Hartley has pledged £100 for every home it offers for sale in Baildon.

"Every pledge, from a few pounds upwards, has been gratefully received. We have even received money from pensioners who have seen us in the Telegraph & Argus or on the television."

Mr Curtin added that the children had said their own thank-you to firefighters and police by inviting them to their nativity play last Monday.

To contribute to the appeal, send cheques to Baildon C of E PTFA, c/o Jennie McCutcheon at Baildon C of E Primary School, Coverdale Way, Baildon, BD17 6TE.

Businesses or individuals wishing to donate goods can call Mrs McCutcheon on 07979 554843.

Although the school is still without an internet and e-mail connection, Mr Curtin has worked with a parent who updates the school website to offer regular news to the families of pupils. They can be found at www. thechurchschool.com.

l Two 14-year-old boys were arrested and questioned earlier this month over the blaze. Both the boys have been bailed pending further inquiries.

e-mail: jonathan.walton@bradford.newsquest.co.uk