A COMMUNITY has rallied round to help restore an enchanted wood which was destroyed by vandals within hours of its official opening.

The project, in Kirkleatham Woods, in Redcar, was devised by Cleveland Fire Brigade's Prince's Trust Team, with the help of youngsters from Kirkleatham Special Needs School.

The wood was opened last month, with a celebration to mark the occasion.

But within hours, the area was destroyed.

Metal posts, which guided visitors through the specially-created area, were ripped out from the concrete, with some being stolen.

Sculpted animals, which were created for the wood, have also been ripped out and stolen. In addition, graffiti has been painted on the custom-made benches.

News of the damage, estimated at £4,000, quickly spread, and offers of assistance have since been pouring in.

One helping hand came from a woman in Leeds, along with a youth engagement programme.

The Prince's Trust team had worked hard for five weeks with schools, colleges and a local sculptor to create the enchanted wood, which is managed by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's countryside section, for the public to enjoy.

A Cleveland Fire Brigade spokeswoman said: "After the vandalism was featured in the media, people have kindly come forward to offer help. A lady from Leeds had read the story on the internet has since been in touch and made a donation to go towards the restoration.

"Youth engagement programme, Fairbridge, also pledged support, as well as Leven Bridge Ironmongery."

Karen Duncan, Prince's Trust team leader, said: "The generosity people have shown has restored my faith in people. The team, local schools and colleges and local sculptor Steve Iadale worked so hard on the project, and we were all gutted when we found out what had happened.

"This area was meant for everyone to enjoy, but people have mistreated it instead.

"Fairbridge, a national organisation that works with the most difficult to engage young people in the Tees Valley area, has offered to make more animals and posts free, and Leven Bridge Ironmongery has offered to help as well.

"We will be going back to the wood in the New Year, to make it into the special area we first created. I'd like to thank everyone who has offered help and support."