VANDALS have wrecked a stretch of wall at Gisborough Priory.

Using bars taken from the nearby churchyard, youngsters caused thousands of pounds worth of damage.

The area which has been hit is a ha-ha retaining wall.

Mr Ken Pellant, manager of Guisborough tourist information office, said: "They have chiselled out a swathe of stone about 18ft long, plus another patch further down the wall."

The vandals left the mess at the site.

Mr Pellant said the incident, which took place late last week, did not prevent visitors from looking round the site.

The priory is owned by Lord Gisborough. English Heritage is responsible for the fabric of the building and Redcar and Cleveland council takes care of its day-to-day running.