VOLUNTEERS have repaired damage caused by vandals at a local nature reserve.

Volunteer countryside ranger Billy Jones said there had been a bad spell of vandalism at the Crowtrees Nature Reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest at Quarrington Hill, near Durham City.

Vandals broke gates, damaged seats and started fires which destroyed rare flowers and plants and affected nesting birds. Nearby allotments were also damaged.

County ranger John Olley, along with countryside volunteers fixed the gates, installed four bench seats and repaired steps and did maintenance work on the pathway – used by walkers, cyclists and horse riders – and carried out a litter-pick.

Two benches, which had the bottoms of their legs cut off by vandals, were taken away and installed at nearby Cassop Primary School.