back more than 200 years -- and wrecked a graphic designer's equipment.

Four school children, aged from 11 to 14, yesterday smashed up part of the National Trust property `Springfield', spraying paint, breaking windows and smashing doors.

But they also broke into one of the Somerset building's apartments, rented by a graphic designer, and wrecked equipment.

"As a Somerset resident and president of the National Trust, I am heartbroken about the unnecessary vandalism of an historic building,'' said Hugh Davidson.

Amanda Outerbridge, the Trust's director, added: "From our point of view it is devastating because thousands of dollars of damage has been done for no reason.

"It is a very significant building and this is tremendously upsetting,'' added Ms Outerbridge. "It is of great historic value to Bermuda.'' Springfield dates back to the early 1700s and was bought by the Government in the 1950s when it underwent renovations under the direction of renowned architect Wil Onions.

It was turned into Somerset's library and in 1966 was bought by the National Trust, which leases two apartments in the building considered to be the Trust's Somerset `jewel'.

The Trust is about to start work on the building's roof and general structure and the organisation's property superintendent went to Springfield yesterday and caught the children inside.

It is understood a television set, photographs and some other electronic equipment belonging to the graphic artist was smashed and an apartment door was also kicked in.

Springfield vandalised In addition, every window pane in the house was smashed, paint was sprayed inside and outside the building and the covering of the water tank was also ripped off.

Yesterday Police spokesman P.c. Gary Venning said four children had been stopped by officers following reports of vandalism at the property.

The youths caused a "considerable amount of damage,'' said P.c. Venning who said the youths, aged 11, 13 and 14, would be detained by Somerset Police until parents or guardians turned up.

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