A PAIR of teen boys deny setting the fire that caused £100,000-worth of damage to Ivy Lane Primary School, Chippenham, last April.

Appearing before Swindon Crown Court on Friday afternoon, the boys – aged 14 and 15 - spoke only to confirm their names and pleas.

Both boys pleaded not guilty to arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered. The older boy admitted stealing lighter fluid, lighters and Stanley knife blades from Wilko and possession of knife blades. The younger boy denied shoplifting the items from the Chippenham store.The boys were bailed for the trial on June 29.

Judge Jason Taylor QC granted an application from Richard Williams, the advocate for one of the boys, for reporting restrictions to cover the case. The order prevents anyone from identifying the accused in print or online and will last until the boys are 18 years old.

The judge said: “These are both young men and social media in particular can be a powerful force and it’s not always a force for good. In light of mental health issues and suicidal ideation I’m not prepared to take the risk.”