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 haunted Bishop Auckland Tennis Club for the past three years.

But, after a deliberate fire on Friday night, which destroyed the clubhouse on Bishop Auckland Recreation Ground, the club may have to close.

The club coaches 60 young members and an extra 100 young people during summer.

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

Coach Keith Greenwell said that they have endured an endless catalogue of intimidation and damage.

He said yesterday: "There's a lot of potential among the kids, but a lot won't come to the club any more because they're frightened.

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

"They whacked one lad and head-butted another lad who was a good player, but 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 clubhouse with a visiting team and they were surrounded by young thugs and didn't dare go out."

The club has repeatedly fixed broken 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.

Mr Greenwell said: "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."

According to police, the offenders broke into the building and started a fire 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 are asked to contact PC Ian Lavery at Bishop Auckland police, on (01388) 603566.