THUGS who have terrorised talented, young tennis players into giving up their sport, may have finished off a tennis club for good.

Assaults, vandalism, thefts and abuse have hit Bishop Auckland tennis club for the last three years.

But after a deliberate fire on Friday night that gutted the club house on Bishop Auck-land Recreation Ground, the club may have to close.

Bishop Auckland tennis club coaches 60 young members and an extra 100 young people during the summer.

But many have been so frightened by the behaviour of gangs of youths they have given up the sport.

Coach Keith Greenwell said they have endured an endless list of intimidation and damage. Mr Greenwell said: "There's a lot of potential among the kids but a lot won't come to the club anymore because they're frightened.

"We had a tennis camp and then a group of young thugs came down and took over the place.

"They wacked one lad and head-butted another lad who was a good player, but who won't come to the club now.

"The year before a young lad was assaulted by three lads who jumped out at him from behind a bush. It was his birthday and they stole his racket.

"We've had to abandon matches because older children were throwing stones, and once the ladies team were in the club house with a visiting team and they were surrounded by young thugs and didn't dare go out.

"We've nearly given in several times but this fire may be the ruination of us.

"A dozen mindless thugs could have ruined it for 100 kids."

The club has repeatedly fixed smashed windows, cancelled fixtures due to vandalism and cleaned up drugs needles and bottles from courts and the bowling green.

But they may not be able to bounce back from Friday night's fire.

Police said the offenders broke into the building and started a blaze in the middle of the floor.

The smouldering fire melted plastic chairs and fumes and smoke ruined the building.

If anyone has any information about the incident they should contact PC Ian Lavery at Bishop Auckland Police on (01388) 603566.