A HISTORIC cemetery has become the target of repeated vandalism.

In recent weeks, trees have been felled, headstones damaged, fires lit on graves and empty beer cans strewn around the Hillside Cemetery, in Houghton-le-Spring.

Now the Friends of Houghton Hillside Cemetery have called a public meeting, tonight, to discuss with council officials and police what can be done to halt the spate of attacks.

The graveyard dates back to 1854, when it was opened by the Reverend John Grey, Rector of Houghton, and was created by opening up the village's old quarry for burials, which at the time led to a public outcry. It is the final resting place of four First World War soldiers, one MP and a descendent of the Royal Family.

However, the cemetery is now being targeted on Friday and Saturday nights.

A 100-year-old yew tree, which stands next to the grave of Mr Grey, has been hacked to pieces.

A fire was started which became so intense it scorched the headstone of William Turnbull Houghton's one-time medical officer.

In addition, the grave of Crimean War veteran George Wheatley was littered with beer cans.

Paul Lanagan, secretary of the Friends of Houghton Hillside Cemetery, which has worked tirelessly for three years to maintain the graveyard, said: "We have a major problem at the site at the moment.

"We were really sickened by the bonfire.

"These acts are like a kick in the teeth and have upset all of the group in an unbelievable way.

"I am concerned these youths have staked claim on the cemetery.

"We need more people to visit to discourage these acts or to report any problems."

The Friends group recently applied for funding of more than £30,000 to restore parts of the cemetery.

* The public meeting will be at the cemetery at 7pm.