A SCHOOL is in mourning after two of its pet goats died from bacteria.

The pygmy goats at Varndean School in Brighton, William and Downs, were part of a herd.

They died after an outbreak of bacteria called clostridium.

The school in Balfour Road said: “We are very sad to announce that two of our beloved goat friends, William and Downs, have passed away.

“Our vet has diagnosed that the most likely cause is a bacteria found in farm animals called clostridium.

“The other goats have been checked by the vet and are in good health and are due to return shortly.

“We know you will join us in supporting our students and sponsors who will naturally be very upset at this sad news.

“Goat Club will be closed for the next few days.

“Students and staff have grown close to our animals and have cared for them for a number of years.

“It’s all very sad.”

Many people have got in touch with the school on Twitter to send their condolences.

Varndean teacher Alison Browning said: “Sad news. My thoughts are with the whole school community.”

Another teacher said: “My year 11s are going to be very sad.

“I sponsored William last year and I’m very sorry to hear this news.

“I hope all the other goats are doing OK.”

Well-wisher Rochelle French said: “I’m so so very sorry. Hugs to you and all the goats.

“Having lost a few myself, I know the grief.”

Varndean introduced the tribe of goats to the school in February 2017 when a member of staff identified an enclosed grassy area on campus that “could benefit from grazing”.

The herd has been a huge hit with everyone at the school, with activities such as Goat Club and Goat Squad being offered to students to enhance their day.

The goats hit the headlines in summer last year when they broke into the school and ate students’ work.

They found their way into the unattended room through a window and had plenty of time to kid around before being caught by staff.

A Twitter account set up especially for the goats said at the time: “Dear Miss, we’re very sorry that we broke into your classroom and ate your displays and resources.

“We are very ashamed now that we’ve been confronted with the CCTV footage.”

The video showed the culprits entering through an open window and chomping on a wall display before trampling a computer underfoot as they leap off the window ledge.