THE community has rallied around to help restore facilities damaged by vandals in a £7,000 wrecking spree at a popular beauty spot.

Sparking widespread anger, yobs destroyed the toilets and damaged outbuildings at the Woodland Centre in Saltburn’s Valley Gardens at the weekend.

In a move that could have endangered life, the vandals also attempted to set fires around the premises using paper towels stolen from the toilet block.

As a result of the mindless act, the centre - now without adequate toilet facilities - had to close its doors, putting future events in jeopardy and devastating volunteers and visitors.

The team at the Woodland Centre now believe it could be back open as soon as Friday, following an outpouring of public support in the aftermath of the incident.

Plumbers and electricians are among those who have offered their services for free in a bid to get the centre back up and running again.

Members of the public have dug deep to donate more than £1,000 to a crowdfunding page, with one individual pledging to give another £1,000 after their child burst into tears and offered to give all of her pocket money to the cause.

Others have arrived at the site to lend a hand in the clean-up operation, with all efforts met with gratitude from those at the Woodland Centre.

Volunteer Jo Greathead said: “It was terrible seeing that the centre had been smashed up – we’re just lucky that the fire brigade got there early to stop the fires they’d tried to start.

“It has been devastating and we’ve had to close and cancel events because there are no toilets.

“We can’t claim this on our insurance as we don’t make a profit and can’t afford for the premiums to go up.

“The amount of support we’ve had and the offers of help and money has really humbled us - people have been at the centre ever since trying to help out.

“We cannot thank them enough and because of them we’re hoping to open back up by Friday for our next event.”

A 17-year-old boy and two girls aged 15 and 16 were arrested in connection with the incident but have been released from custody pending further enquiries.

To donate, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/saltburnfriendsofthevalley.