I READ the article about the withdrawal of children from Huntington School with concern (March 4). It was said the boys had various educational problems such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and dyslexia.

This does not, and should not, be an excuse for vandalism to Christmas lights and staff cars.

Mr Fleming and Ms Lee said this was a "schoolboy prank". Ringing a door bell and running away is a schoolboy prank. Damage to other people's property is vandalism, and there is no excuse whatsoever.

What next, they steal a car and cause damage to property, and their plea in court would be "well boys will be boys"?

Carol Mitchell,

West Nooks,

Haxby, York.

Updated: 11:02 Tuesday, March 09, 2004