A Bradford school which was plagued by drug addicts, vandals and burglars has heralded a “marvellous” change since its plight was featured in the Telegraph & Argus.

Catherine Carr, head teacher at Atlas Primary School, told in November how break-ins and damage was costing thousands of pounds and making life a misery for staff and pupils.

Mrs Carr said staff also used to clear up needles left by heroin addicts and cannabis dumped in the school grounds.

But in the three months since the story was featured, staff have not had to report any more incidents.

Mrs Carr said the school was holding regular meetings with Inspector Steve Dodds and PCSO Aiden Townsend, of the Manningham and Toller Neighbourhood Policing Team, as well as the Hollings Youth Association.

She said: “It’s wonderful what has happened. We have worked together with the local mosque and the neighbourhood wardens to educate young people and develop their understanding of the issues we are facing and just getting them to co-operate with us. We haven’t had any trouble since the article went in.

“It’s marvellous. It’s been a real positive outcome and we are working to try and educate the community and get them to see our school as a real part of the community.”

In the months before the story appeared in the T&A, vandals had uprooted apple and pear trees in the school garden, set fire to a mini-beast play structure, burned compost bins, smashed floodlights and damaged security shutters and benches.

Mrs Carr said: “We have been working with the youth to enable them to understand more about the impact it was having on us, the negative impact it was having.”

Insp Dodds said: “Following the incidents reported at the school, we increased patrols in the area and worked closely with the school to provide security advice.

“We have a dedicated PCSO who acts as a link between the police and the school and we are currently working with a local youth group with a view to setting up sporting activities for local youngsters.”