VANDALS setting fire to picnic benches and litter bins have caused thousands of pounds worth of damage in Hexham.

In the latest incident, two of the large black bins on the Sele and in the Abbey Grounds were reduced to molten lumps of plastic and a mature tree was scorched in the process.

The recycling bins next to the playground on the Sele were torched a few weeks ago.

Meanwhile, all of the five picnic benches near the adventure playground on Tyne Green are damaged.

Insp. Kevin Oates, neighbourhood inspector for West Tynedale, said: “If anybody sees anything or perhaps sees something on Facebook – maybe they think it’s amusing – then please get in touch.” Reports can be made by calling 101.