VANDALS who ruined a football pitch used by junior teams have been branded 'an absolute disgrace'.

The field, in Darley Park, Farnworth, was targeted on Thursday night, when they broke the lock on a gate and drove cars around the pitches.

Nearby residents also reported seeing vandals at the field, which is the home ground of Ringley Park Rangers, earlier this week.

The ground has been left so churned up that local clubs fear it may not be in a fit state to play on until next summer.

After discovering the damage yesterday morning, Matt Carruthers, manager of the club's under-12s team, told disappointed youngsters that their match this morning would have to be moved or cancelled.

He said: "We were supposed to have a match against Bromley Cross, but the pitch is completely unplayable now. It is an absolute disgrace.

"I got a call from another manager who told me there had been reports of cars driving around there on Wednesday and Thursday night.

"They broke the lock off the gate that is supposed to stop vehicles entering the field.

"I don't know why someone would do this. With how the weather has been this year and with us going into winter, I doubt we will be back on that pitch before next summer. It is a joke."

Sgt Alex Metcalfe said: "This is something that is deeply frustrating. It is the kind of thing that ruins communities and spoils people's lives.

"It is mindless behaviour and we will do whatever we can to stop it. I would urge anyone with information about this to contact police on 101."

The council-owned field, in Lower Rawton Street, is used regularly by local teams on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Farnworth councillor Asif Ibrahim said: "It is disappointing when people damage facilities like this that are used not only by youngsters, but the whole community.

"This kind of vandalism is especially disappointing when it hurts the families and people who might no longer be able to use that pitch.

"I would urge anyone with information about this to get in touch with the police as quickly as possible so that they can find the people responsible and get them prosecuted.

"Hopefully we will be able to get the pitch back up to a decent standard soon."

A resident, who asked not to be named, added: "The pitch is used by lots of children at the weekend, but they won't be able to use it again for some time.

"This is the third incident this week. It should really be secured better than it is.

"They have driven around the field and churned it up badly. Because it has rained a lot lately, it is now in a really awful state.

"You can't make out the markings on the pitches anymore. It makes me cry because this is mindless vandalism that could have been avoided.

"It is so sad for the community. It makes you wonder why someone would go and target a football field like this. It seems like a targeted attack."

Bolton Council have been trying to find alternative sites for this weekend's matches and say repairs will be carried out as soon as possible.

A council spokesman said: “We were informed about the damage on Friday afternoon, and we will be assessing the damage and carrying out the necessary repairs as soon as possible. We are also looking for a suitable alternative pitch for matches this weekend.”