VILLAGERS are furious with hooligans who smashed a pavilion that had been used by a bowling club for more than 40 years.

After damaging the outside of the building and pulling down part of a canopy at the weekend, they broke into the building on the Hazelgrove recreation ground, Cockfield, near Barnard Castle.

John Priestley, vice-chairman of Cockfield Parish Council, which administers the ground, said: "The pavilion has been so badly wrecked that it may have to be demolished.

"Local residents have been speaking angrily today about this senseless vandalism. It will cost the council a lot of money to carry out repairs or provide a replacement building."

He said the bowling green was not being used at the moment, but a local team was likely to be reformed before long and the players would need a pavilion.

Insp Kevin Tuck, of Barnard Castle Police, said, "This has been a costly piece of vandalism, and we would like to know who the culprits are."

He appealed for anyone who might have any information to call police on 0845 606 0365.