The beaming smiles on the children's faces said it all.

Eastern Daily Press: The Early Years and reception class play area has been damaged by vandals. Teacher Jackie Mitchell with some reception class children.The Early Years and reception class play area has been damaged by vandals. Teacher Jackie Mitchell with some reception class children.

Staff and pupils at Fen Park Primary School in Kirkley were dismayed when they returned from their Christmas holiday to find their play area for three- to five-year-olds had been vandalised.

Eastern Daily Press: The Early Years and reception class play area has been damaged by vandals.Teacher Jackie Mitchell with some reception class children.The Early Years and reception class play area has been damaged by vandals.Teacher Jackie Mitchell with some reception class children. (Image: ©Archant 2014)

But they were overjoyed to receive a generous donation to buy new equipment – thanks to the efforts of Santa.

In December, the Lowestoft South Rotary Club, Lowestoft Vision and the Marina Theatre had teamed up to offer local children the chance to see Santa Claus in his grotto at the theatre in the run-up to Christmas.

• Children shocked after vandals wreck Lowestoft school's outside play area

With all the proceeds from his visit earmarked to help good causes in the town, Lowestoft Vision and the rotary club decided to present the school with £800 to enable it to purchase some new play equipment.

Jackie Mitchell, Fen Park's early years leader, said: 'We're just overwhelmed by the generosity shown. We've also received an anonymous £100 donation and the children are really excited.

'They were really upset when they discovered the damage and now they can't wait for the new equipment.'

Police are investigating the vandalism in the school grounds in Southwell Road between New Year's Day and Monday, January 6, which saw hundreds of pounds' worth of damage caused. Equipment including a market stall, building blocks and a bug ride were broken and two scooters stolen.

Lowestoft Vision chairman, Danny Steel, said: 'We felt that because the Santa's grotto was supporting local charities, and as it had been visited by young children, this was the obvious thing to do. It's diabolical that there are people out there who would steal and vandalise something that benefits young children.'

Do you have a Lowestoft story? Email mark.boggis@archant.co.uk