Madam, A group of volunteers are running a series of 'come and try it' orienteering afternoons called the Wye Valley Outdoor Adventure Series for children and their parents.

On Tuesday, May 24th we held an afternoon at Ross Sports Centre. The families were able to enjoy a picnic together before being coached and trying out their new found skills going round a choice of courses to find the correct control. Some of them went round more than once as they enjoyed it so much.

Within a few minutes of our last competitors completing their run and our volunteers going to collect in the controls at around 5pm, two of the units, each worth over £100 had been stolen. They had been situated close to the River Wye bordering a footpath.

We would be very grateful if any of your readers could let us know if they saw anyone either taking or throwing these away. Each unit consists of a green plastic stake with a number plate and a small electronic box on top and has an orange and white kite hanging from it. One kite was found hanging in a tree, but there was no no sign of either the stake or the electronic box. The items are only of use for orienteering.

What pleasure do these vandals derive from spoiling the fun of other people? If you have any information please contact the Chairman of North Gloucestershire Orienteering Club, who organised the event at [email protected]">[email protected]

Pat Macleod, Kyla da Cunha, Neil Cameron, Gill and Chris James, Gorsley