A VILLAGE football boss has condemned "mindless" vandals who wrecked their playing pitch by driving across it and churning up the turf.

Cartmel AFC's ground was targeted by someone driving across the wet surface performing "doughnuts and wheelies" and scarring the sodden ground on Boxing Day.

Club chairman Steve Chambers said it was 'out of the blue' for someone in the community to have done such a thing.

"It's simply mindless vandalism," he said. "We are such a supportive community and for this to have happened is very unexpected."

Police have launched an investigation and the football club has gathered CCTV footage that may show who was in the area at the time.

Mr Chambers is hopeful that the CCTV evidence will help trace those responsible for the criminal damage.

"With luck the footage will give us something and the culprits will be brought to justice," he said.

The team hope that they will still be able to play on Saturday (January 5) despite how deep the marks are on the field.

First team manager Andrew Kendall said: "A lot of volunteers spend a lot of time on the pitch and so it's very disappointing and upsetting for the club for this to happen."

Anyone with information should contact the police on 101 quoting log number 103 of December 27 or call CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.