YOBS who destroyed newly-planted saplings have been condemned as "sick" by the councillor in charge of parks.

The six 15ft trees, worth around £1,000, and paid for with Lottery cash were planted at Marsden Park, Nelson, six weeks ago.

The trees were planted by volunteers in a working day at the park. But in the early hours of Sunday they were broken in half and thrown around.

Councillor Ann Kerrigan, Pendle Council's cabinet member for parks and cemeteries said: "This shows the wanton lack of respect some people have for the environment and surroundings.

"I'm stumped for words over something like this. I can't believe that something like that could happen.

"People give up a lot of time to make that park what it is.

"I think the people responsible for this vandalism are rather sick."

PC Mark Buckley said: "People have worked hard to make the park more attractive only to have their efforts wrecked.

"The people responsible should be ashamed. We are appealing for people who may have seen or heard anything to come forward.

"What these vandals have done is terrible so don't protect them, give us their names and we will take action."

Contact police on 0845 1 25 35 45 or to Crimestoppers free and anonymously on 0800 555 111.