A TYNEDALE junior football club is appealing for witnesses after one of their pitches was damaged.

Craig McBurnie, secretary for Corbridge United Junior Football Club, said a car was driven across one of their pitches at Tynedale Rugby Club.

He said they believe the incident took place on Sunday afternoon (January 16).

"Tynedale was very busy with lots of rugby games going on, and someone has obviously sneaked down and caused this damage," said Craig.

He also said fences they were gifted to keep their goals secure were "rived apart".

While Tynedale Rugby Club has CCTV, Craig said they have reviewed the footage and said "buses and coaches and all sorts blocked out where we would be able to identify any registration plates".

"We're appealing to the community that if you know anything about it, please can you come forward," said Craig.

"It's ruining all the good work that everyone else has put in.

"Everyone involved with Corbridge United Junior Football Club is a volunteer. No one gets paid anything, everyone puts in their own time, and their own money in some cases, and have helped get the club where it is now.

"We've had a great fundraising effort from our fundraising officer. We're in a position where we can spend money improving the facilities, and then mindless vandalism obviously undoes a lot of that."

The club was also victim to vandalism last year.

Craig said the groundsman has been temporarily able to repair the pitch so games can take place this weekend.

"We're worried that if this happens again, if someone comes down with their car and drives right across the middle of the pitch, it may become unplayable and then we've got a serious problem because there's nowhere for the kids to play football," he said.

County councillor for Corbridge Nick Oliver said: "It's hard to fathom why anybody would deliberately damage a football pitch used by young people and I would urge anybody who saw anything to report it to the police."