EASTHAM pensioner Sylvia Humphreys has had her faith in young people restored after having her garden wall kicked down by child vandals..

Bebington students have rebuilt the wall in Bridle Road after learning of the pensioner's plight.

In October, 62-year-old Mrs Humphreys was at the end of her tether when school children waiting at the bus stop outside her home kicked down the wall, leaving just a single row of bricks.

Brian Jordan, head of Bebington High Sports College, vowed to play detective and find and punish the culprits.

After discovering the main culprit was a year-11 student, who has since left the school, Mr Jordan gave the go ahead for pupils on a bricklaying course in Birkenhead to rebuild the wall.

He explained: "I really felt for Mrs Humphreys when I saw what one of our former pupils had done. But when a couple of our pupils came forward and suggested they build the wall for her I was delighted.

"The alternative skills trainer Mike Hughes suggested it would be an excellent opportunity for the boys to practice what they had learnt."

Year-ten pupils Charlie Thomas, Craig Wade and Michael Troake spent two days rebuilding Mrs Humphreys' wall.

Craig, 14, said: "We did half the wall on Tuesday and finished it on Friday, and our teacher said it was a good piece of work.

"I'm really pleased we could help and it was satisfying to see the work we had done. We got to know Mrs Humphreys and what happened to her was totally unfair."

Fourteen-year-old Michael, who wants to take up bricklaying as a career, added: "It was quite hard work but it felt like we were doing something good. She was made up so that made us happy."

Mrs Humphreys was thrilled with the result. She said: "They were a nice bunch of students. It was a terrible day with all the rain, but while they were waiting for the materials one of the lads started weeding my garden for me! The headmaster was great, he has been to see me twice. He is very involved with the students and they all said he was a nice man.

"It was good of them to come out and it has definitely restored my faith in youngsters."