POLICE hunting the arsonists who caused more than £1 million damage by torching Basingstoke's Beech Down Primary School are mounting a major poster campaign.

Officers are putting up posters around the Brighton Hill area to encourage people to give information about the fire.

The Gershwin Road school was burned down in a suspected arson attack three weeks ago, destroying all the 277 pupils' work for Christmas.

Two boys, aged 12 and 13, were arrested and bailed pending further enquiries.

Now, a fresh appeal has been launched by officers involved in the investigation, with leaflets being distributed around the estate and neighbouring areas today and tomorrow.

Detective Constable Ben Snuggs, of Basingstoke CID, said: "We imagine that some people know who did this and we are appealing to anyone who has information to come and speak to any of us confidentially."

Anyone with information can call Basingstoke CID by ringing 0845 045 45 45 or the confidential Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555 111.

Anyone who would like a police officer to talk to them personally can leave their name, address and telephone number at a secure post box in the One Stop, Standford Road, and at McColls News in Brighton Way.

Beat officer Pc Dave Fall said: "This is a very close-knit community and feelings are running very high. The fire has left many people and families distraught."

The Basingstoke firefighters who spent more than four hours dousing the the Beech Down blaze have been praised by the chairman of Hampshire Fire Authority, Michael Cartwright. And The Gazette has also been thanked for the way we covered the fire story.

In a Christmas card sent to our offices, Beech Down headteacher Ann Macdonald said: "Many thanks for the sensitive way in which you covered our disaster.

"We look forward to working with you again in the New Year."