Arsonists have caused over £1 million damage to two schools in the Black Country.

Two schools in the same street in Cradley Heath were targeted and fire crews were also called out to deal with four other smaller incidents.

The biggest blaze was at Temple Meadow primary school in Wright's Lane, Old Hill, where a classroom, computer suite, staff room and roof were destroyed in a fire in the early hours of Saturday.

Sixty firefighters from across the Black Country tackled the blaze.

Headteacher Norma Ridge was left distraught at the extensive damage to the school, which dates back to 1898.

She said: "I have been head for nearly 20 years and this is one of the saddest days of my life.

"I am heartbroken by what has happened. The children don't deserve this. The school is a cherished part of a closeknit community.

"We were due to break up this Thursday, but the school will now be closed until the start of the new term on September 6."

West Midlands Fire Service Divisional Officer Bob Deeks put the cost of the damage at £1 million.

"The main part of the school has gone and the damage is devastating," he added.

"We believe the fire was started in an outbuilding at the rear and spread to the main Victorian building.

"Ironically, the children had been working on a project about sprinkler systems in schools which they were presenting to Sandwell Council.

"There was no sprinkler system at the school, but the prompt action of firefighters prevented even worse damage. The new part of the school was unaffected."

While fire crews were still dealing with the Temple Meadow blaze, another school fire was discovered at Heathfield Foundation Technology College at 7.30am.

Crews prevented any serious damage, but fire chiefs said the fire had been smouldering for some time and was probably started at around the same time as the Temple Meadow blaze.

Firefighters were also kept busy with two skip fires and two wheelie bin fires in the area early Saturday morning. One of them was started at Old Hill Cricket Club's ground in Haden Park Road.