IT SEEMS that whenever the disgusting actions of a few come to light in Thornbury, the community is always prepared to show its best side.

The graffiti that was plastered across the walls of the Castle School was the reckless, irresponsible and thoughtless act of a few, but by forcing the closure of the school for the day, it had a much wider impact on many people.

Then there is the effect it would have had on any member of staff who might have featured in the offensive scribblings. For someone who would have chosen a profession to work with children, that must be a horrible sight to see.

But full credit must be paid for the school in being able to act quickly, making sure young and impressionable children were not witness to the damage and getting everything cleaned up in the space of a day.

The parents, friends and members of the community who all joined together to raise hundreds of pounds on behalf of the school must also be commended as champions in this story as they demonstrate just how people should behave when faced with such a situation.