VANDALS have struck again at a park, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Council workers were confronted with a scene of destruction when they arrived in Dean Bank Park, Ferryhill.

Last week youths had climbed on to a recently donated portable building, used by Ferryhill Town youth football team, and then on to the roof of the adjacent changing room. The tiled roof was substantially damaged.

Vandalism has been an ongoing problem in Dean Bank Park for the past two years.

The park has been a target for vandals on numerous occasions, with bowling greens defaced, flower beds destroyed, play equipment wrecked and lavatories smashed.

A Ferryhill Town Council spokesman said: "This is a very depressing situation. The council gardeners work very hard to try and make the park as pleasant as possible for local residents, but turn up on a morning and find the work they did the night before all undone."

Council leader Councillor Bernie Lamb said: "We will not let the vandals beat us, but would appreciate it if anyone seeing or hearing any wrongdoing in the park contacts the police immediately."