The management committee at the Ross Sports Centre was devastated when, after a highly successful celebration of football at the Sports Centre, it became a target for vandals.

Paul Flitney told the Ross Gazette that there had been youngsters of all age groups playing football and having fun and they were really pleased with how things were going. They had organised a family football day for the May Bank Holiday, which was really well supported.

Then, that night, they heard that someone had been on the roof and caused damage to the dug out and around the centre.

However, he added that the Sports Centre Committee had been really impressed by the way people came forward to make donations, offer to help with repairs or to supply materials needed.

Two football coaches, Neil Vanstone and Tony Fletcher were among the first to offer help.

Neil offered free labour and materials and Tony said George Smith, of Walford Timber was very keen to help.

They told the Gazette: “We know how much hard work goes into this fabulous community facility and we really wanted to do something to help.”

Brian Nixon, the Chairperson for the Committee told the Ross Gazette that they had been disappointed with the way the police had dealt with the incident. He added that thanks to Ross Town Councillor, Hannah Lerego getting involved the matter, now seemed to be in hand.

Cllr Lerego said it was fantastic that so many local people and businesses had been so generous.

Brian said the Sports Centre had enjoyed a great weekend at the end of May, and this was like a kick in the teeth.

He added that many people spend a lot of time keeping the sports centre pitches and the whole site clean and tidy. He added: “Imagine what it would look like if we were not here, with overgrown grass and so on.”

Paul told the Gazette, that they are very grateful for the donations from individuals and businesses, including Gallery 54, the Property Shop, Bradfords and the Crazy Bird Comedy Club.

But, he added: “We would love to be appealing for donations so that we could purchase some new benches or fencing, instead we always seem to be asking for money for repairs.”

And now the committee will be looking into new security measures which will also involve more fundraising.