The Forth Valley Sensory Centre in Falkirk was broken into in late September.

A charity is fundraising to repair a sensory garden for deaf and blind people after it was targeted by vandals.

The Forth Valley Sensory Centre in Falkirk was broken into in late September.

Stones were used to smash tiling around a water feature, hanging baskets were torn down and graffiti was scrawled on a boundary wall.

A spokesman for the centre said the damage wasn’t extensive, but the incident had been a shock to staff, users and the local community.

Whilst the damage was a real shock, we are determined that something good will come of it

Since the incident, he added, the response on social media has been “enormous” with many people coming forward with donations to repair the garden.

Martin Allen, the centre’s partnership and publicity manager, said: “The old saying ‘there is no such thing as bad publicity’ comes to mind. We all know that isn’t strictly true but, by ensuring we got the right image, being proactive on social media and engaging with the press we have significantly raised the profile of our charity, locally and beyond.

“With the offers of help, from volunteers and rebuilding to fundraising, we won’t just fix the damage that has been done, we will be able to start a new project and have a garden better than anything we have had previously.

“Whilst the damage was a real shock, we are determined that something good will come of it.”

Four children, aged between seven and 11, have since been charged over the vandalism. They will be referred to the Children's Reporter.

Donations to the rebuild can be made on JustGiving.