VANDALS have wrecked a willow play shelter used by toddlers on West Malvern playing fields.

Now fears of further vandalism mean the future of other willow play equipment planned for the field is uncertain.

Craftsman Dave Jackson built the shelter earlier this year, helped by special needs children he teaches at Malvern Hills Outdoor Education Centre.

When he took two of his pupils to see if it was growing leaves on Wednesday he saw it had been vandalised.

Willow rods planted in the ground had been snapped off and the dome on top of it will now have to be removed.

"I'm not very happy at all," he said. "I live in the village and I know it has been used a lot by little toddlers. People have said it's really good."

Although Mr Jackson plans to the repair the shelter, which was funded by a £80 grant from West Malvern Parish Council, he is not sure if plans to build a willow tunnel and maze in the field's playground will now go ahead.

He will speak with the council before a decision is made.

"I'd like to appeal to the vandals not to do it again," he said. "They've ruined a lot of people's hard work."

Anyone with information about the incident can contact police on 08457 444888.