ORGANISERS of a community picnic celebrating the centenary of all men and women being given the vote say they will not let "destructive people" ruin their plans after vandals damaged their Suffragette scarecrow.

'Flossie' the Suffragette was put up on Friday ahead of Spennymoor's centenary family picnic in Jubilee Park, this afternoon.

Organised by Spennymoor Youth Council, volunteers have worked hard for the last four months to plan the event.

Volunteers in several craft meetings and knit and knatter groups came together to knit rosettes and bunting in the Suffrage colours as well as Flossie, the scarecrow, being made.

The group met on Friday night to 'bomb' the town with the creations including Flossie.

However, when volunteers returned yesterday they found she had been "ripped down" and her hat, gloves, shoes and sash were missing.

But in true Suffagette style, organisers Pat Lawton and Wendy Hall, quickly put Flossie back together.

Mrs Lawton said: "Wendy Hall and I decided we would make her better and that as true suffragette we would not let these destructive people ruin our plans and the feel good factor for the people of Spennymoor."

The free event will be held at 2.30pm today and includes fun for all the family with enteraintment from Spennymoor Town Band, games, bouncy castles, shuggy boats and more.

Visitors are also encouraged to dress up and bring their own picnic.