VANDALS have targeted Saltburn Bandstand twice in only four days -to the horror of the volunteers who help maintain it.

In the first incident, vandals forced a lock to get inside a storage shed that is part of the bandstand.

They then stole chairs and threw others across the ground -one even ended up on the roof -and scrawled graffiti across the bandstand

Volunteers secured the lock temporarily while waiting for permanent repairs, but the vandals returned days later.

This time they set fire to one of the chairs and threw more across the ground, and smashed signs showing images of Saltburn

Community volunteer Tony Lynn said: "This is unwanted vandalism and destruction of something that everyone enjoys.

All the work done at the bandstand is all voluntary - we raise money for all the concerts and things.

"The whole thing is hitting members of the public, who are working hard to make Saltburn a better place. It is soul-destroying for people like ourselves.

"It is an ongoing problem in some ways. In the bandstand's nine years of operation, we have had problems, but we have never had quite as much major vandalism as we have in the last four days."

Volunteers from the Saltburn 500 Club work tirelessly to raise money to maintain the bandstand and stage events.

Now money will have to be found to provide tighter security and replace the stolen and damaged chairs, which cost about £70 each. It is not yet known how many will have to be replaced. Mr Lynn said: "It is a sad thing that the youngsters cannot use the stand for their own concerts.

"It is there for them to use, but to start destroying it is heartbreaking for us."

Dave Fitzpatrick, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's cabinet member for tourism, leisure and culture, said: "It is appalling. It is mindless and indicative of youth that they cannot leave anything alone.

"A lot of money has gone in to it, and time and effort, and it is there as a tourist attraction where a lot of bands play.

"It is a great shame."

A police spokesman appealed for anyone with information about the attacks, which happened on Friday and Tuesday nights, to call (01642) 302626.