COMMUNITY spirit has put a local soccer team back in action after it was devastated by vandals.

Within days of last week's wrecking spree, club officials at Prestwich Heys FC and volunteers had removed most of the mess and repaired much of the damage.

It allowed a youth team semi-final on Sunday (Feb 16) to go ahead which the home team won 1-0 in front of more than 100 spectators.

The club, in Sandgate Road, had been left with a mammoth clear-up after yobs had gone on the rampage in the clubhouse and dressing rooms on the night of February 11.

A fire extinguisher was set off, framed pictures smashed, carpet ruined, and graffiti scrawled over the walls. A microwave and beer was stolen, and part of the dressing room, including the referee's shower, was wrecked.

Club chairman Wilf Davison said it had been a monumental effort from the club's helpers and members of the community who had made donations or helped with repairs.

He said: "It has been a very good example of how a club hit so badly has recovered by people collectively pulling together. It has made me proud to be chairman.

"Everyone has worked so hard in the space of a few days, from the management team of Adie Moran and Rob Evans right down.

Mr Davison added: "The police have been very supportive and have come down to the ground on more than one occasion, and they are still looking into the incident."