A schoolboy from Occold has been collecting raffle donations after his school was broken into.

East Anglian Daily Times: Joseph with Occold headteacher Paul Parslow-Williams. Picture: ARCHANTJoseph with Occold headteacher Paul Parslow-Williams. Picture: ARCHANT

Year 4 pupil Joseph Hull decided that he wanted to take action after his school, Occold Primary, was broken into at half term.

Mini iPads used in class were taken from docking stations by thieves meaning pupils lost their work and the school was forced to stop some of its clubs including movie making – one of Joseph’s favourites.

Joseph set about writing letters to local businesses to gather prizes for a raffle to raise money to help buy new equipment for the school.

With help from his mum Amanda, Joseph helped to spread word of his fundraising on social media.

East Anglian Daily Times: A number iPads were stolen from the school. Picture: ARCHANTA number iPads were stolen from the school. Picture: ARCHANT

Since then the posts have gone “Suffolk viral” with the local community rallying behind Joseph and his fundraising work.

“The response has been unbelievable,” said Mrs Hull. “He’s really excited and totally amazed.”

Local businesses have been donating items for Joseph’s cause with The Beaconsfield Arms pub offering to host the grand raffle next week.

With help from appeals in local media, iPads have now been donated for the school to use.

The raffle will still go ahead with any money raised going towards to the purchase of further iPads for pupils.

Occold Primary School headteacher Paul Parslow-Williams said: “It was all from Joseph.

“He’s one of those children who is very dynamic and resourceful.

“We want children to take the initiative, we are very proud of him.”

A spokesman for Suffolk police said “We were called shortly before 7.40am on Monday, February 26, following reports of a burglary at Occold County Primary School on The Street in Occold near Eye.

“At some point overnight between February 23 at 6.40pm and February 26 at 7.30am, an unknown offender has forced entry to the school and stole mini iPads from docking stations and a laptop.”

The raffle will take place on April 21 at 3pm at The Beaconsfield Arms in Occold.

A justgiving crowdfunding page has also been set up for people to buy raffle tickets or send in donations for the school.