Staff were shocked and disappointed to find their preschool had been vandalised by catapult-wielding yobs.

Woodpeckers in Quaker Lane, Cranbrook, is having to fork out more than £500 to repair the damage caused.

At some point over the weekend, they believe pellets were fired at two different sets of doors – smashing the outer panes.

Chelsea Groome, chairperson and trustee, says it is “frustrating” and has caused “unnecessary stress and disruption”.

“The whole team were just incredibly sad,” the 40-year-old explained.

“They're working so hard and we are so lucky to have a wonderful, thriving preschool. It's such a happy place to be.

“To come in and find that somebody in our community has vandalised the property without a thought for what it means for the children or the families is just disappointing and sad.”

The preschool is a committee-run Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) and looks after up to 25 children aged two to four.

In October, all of the doors were upgraded as part of their maintenance plan.

Now they are having to fundraise more than £500 to replace them yet again.

Chelsea added: “When we have to put money into clearing up after vandals, that's money taken away from potential resources for the children.

“It's incredibly disruptive. Our staff are working really hard.

“They didn't expect to come in Monday morning and have to sort out repairs, file a police report and go through CCTV.”

It is the only preschool in the town, with many local families relying on childcare.

Fortunately, the facility can continue to run as normal as the staff managed to secure the site.

Cranbrook has previously been subjected to anti-social behaviour, with reports of catapult crimes and shop thefts.

Chelsea said: “We've always had the support of our community and Woodpeckers is very loved by the town.

“I am aware that there have been multiple incidents of criminal damage as a result of catapults in the past weeks and months.

“Cranbrook is a small community and on the whole a safe community, so it's not the type of incident we'd expect to happen.”

The preschool is reviewing its own CCTV footage for further evidence and has reported the incident to the police.

Anyone with helpful information is being asked to email woodpeckerschair@gmail.com.

A spokesman from the force said: “We have received a report that windows in three external doors had been damaged at a building in Quaker Lane, Cranbrook.

“The incident happened between 5pm on Friday, March 21 and 8am on Monday, March 24.

“Officers are urging anyone with information to call the appeal line on 01622 604100, quoting reference 46/48956/25.”