VANDALS have struck at the headquarters of Radcliffe's Scouts and Guides.

The hooligans gained access to the Lowton Street hut by ripping off a door.

They threw art equipment on the floor, damaged the kitchen, and wrecked a store cupboard.

They also smeared dog excrement around the building.

The damage was discovered last Friday around 8.30am. The Guider for the 17th Radcliffe (St Mary's) Guides, Mrs Denise Bigg, was one of those who helped clear up the wreckage.

She said: "It was a malicious act of wanton vandalism. We do not even keep any money there, so it was completely pointless."

She added: "The hut is used by young people with good and honest intentions. We have little money but a lot of goodwill and it is a great shame that it has been destroyed by a few people."

Radcliffe's assistant divisional commissioner for Cubs, Mrs Gwen White, said: "It seems mindless and stupid to deliberately ruin the enjoyment of others, especially young people who do so much to help others!"

The attack comes just weeks after a warden's hut shop at Giant's Seat Scout camp was destroyed by fire.

A metal storage container was also damaged in the blaze, which is believed to have been started deliberately.

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