MINDLESS vandals have caused misery for a group of tots at a town playgroup.

Staff at Sidemoor Pre-school and Playgroup found the Wendy house in the garden had been callously wrecked by yobs over the weekend.

Teresa Tipton, one of the managers of the playgroup, said: "It's disgusting. They know it's for children and they've still done it. The children can't play outside now because of all the broken glass and we can't let them go near the Wendy house."

Vandals kicked in the walls, set fire to bits of the Wendy house, left cigarette butts, chip wrappers and beer cans in the garden of the hall, and burnt the initials 'MM' and 'FK' into the ceiling.

"The playgroup has been open for 30 years - it's possible that some of the vandals could have come to this playgroup as children," Teresa added.

The playgroup is based at the Church Hall in Broad Street and backs on to a row of bungalows.

Teresa said: "I know in the past people living in the bungalows have reported these yobs but now I think they're afraid of repercussions if they call the police."

Joint manager Jean Taylor added: "It's such a shame. The children love playing in it. But we know the same thing will probably happen again."

The playgroup has been plagued by vandalism for about two years but this is the worst incident.

The strapped-for-cash group will now have to claim off its insurance to cover the cost of repairs to the Wendy house.

Police are investigating the incident. Anyone with information should call Crimestoppers on 08457 444888.