VANDALS hit Pleasington sports pavilion, burning the wooden cafe to the ground, destroying the groundsman's hut and smashing the first-aid pot.

The incident, which is shown in this picture, taken on February 20, 1979, is the latest in a long line of destructive acts stretching back to a similar fire two years ago.

Cllr Roy Coling, chairman of Blackburn Recreation Committee, hit out at the 'mindless, senseless yobs responsible.'

He said: "It is intolerable that the ratepayers should continually have to foot the bill for these acts of vandalism by people with sick minds and nothing better to do.

"The council ordered a report on the possibility of introducing private security firms to patrol these areas."