VANDALS targeting a world-renowned folk festival are being invited to work with organisers - rather than against them.

The challenge was thrown down by Joe Maloney, director of Billingham International Folklore Festival, after arsonists attacked the town centre site hours before the opening of the event.

"If it is a case of them wanting some channel for their energy, let them come and work for us," said Mr Maloney.

Vandals tried to burn down a sponsors' marquee, which is doubling as home to an exhibition of crafts from the ten countries represented at the festival.

Security guard Joe Watson and his team spotted the blaze before it could take a firm hold and put out the flames with a fire extinguisher before the arrival of firefighters.

The fire burned a hole in the tent roof, but the main concert marquee was unaffected.

Mr Maloney said: "It is a bit soul-destroying when the morons of this world do what they do when everyone at the festival is a willing volunteer.

"Every town has its share of people with no mentality and I don't know what we can do about it.

"There are those who have been brought up wrongly or have no sense of responsibility.''

He paid tribute to the quick reactions of Mr Watson and his team for saving the exhibition tent.

It is estimated that at least 20,000 people will attend this week's concerts, which this year celebrate "37 years of excellence, fun and friendship".

Festival chairman Harry Davies said: "We have more to offer than other years by way of concerts and venues, yet we have managed to keep the costs of tickets down thanks to sponsors and local businesses."

Even before groups from Belgium, Canada, Costa Rica, Finland, Kenya, Mexico, Moldovia, Phillippines, Romania and the US took to the stage for the launch of the festival at the weekend, organisers revealed they were already planning another event for 2002.