RESIDENTS in the small village of Argoed are in shock after thieves stole part of their school.

The thieves dismantled and made off with an 8ft tall, 2ft wide dry-stone pillar from the gates of Argoed Primary.

The school closed in December, and residents were hoping to get a short-term lease to use the building for community use.

The incident happened some time between 10pm on Monday and 6.30am on Tuesday.

A Vauxhall Combo van was seen in the area at the time.

Rebecca Williams, a former school governor and campaigner, said: "I'm disgusted. I can't believe they would steal a pillar from outside a school. It hasn't even been closed long.

"It's worrying because someone could now just walk in and do damage to the building."

Argoed councillor Allen Williams added: "I'm absolutely appalled. Why on earth would anyone do something like this?"

Caerphilly council was unable to put a value on the pillar, but police said the stone is understood to be valuable.

Anyone with any information regarding the theft should contact Blackwood Police Station on (01633) 838 111.