A WILLOW shoot bridge which is believed to be the only one of its kind in the world has been damaged for a second time by vandals.

An environmental group faces a bill running into thousands of pounds to restore the bridge.

But it has vowed not to be beaten by the beauty-spot wreckers.

The footbridge, created more than eight years ago in Hookstone Wood, is next to the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate.

Three years ago vandals ripped out part of its woven archways, throwing the remnants into a lake.

Although there have been some minor cases of vandalism since then, the latest attack has caused damage to the whole structure.

Sue Vasey, co-ordinator for the Hookstone and Crimple Wood Preservation Group has now met Harrogate Borough Council officials to discuss the way forward.

She said: "We have discussed several options to provide a more vandal-proof structure. But this work will cost us several thousand pounds because it is so labour intensive."

The bridge was the brainchild of the late Scottish art lover and engineer, Jamie McCulloch.

It now seems likely that the idea of weaving the willows will be dropped in favour of boring holes for new shoots, using a series of planks for the branches to develop around or planting a series of willow trees and allowing them to bush.

The environmental group adopted the bridge, which is maintained by Harrogate Borough Council in co-operation with willow experts.

The vandalism comes des-pite the group setting up a "bridge watch" with walkers taking mobile phones into the area so they can swiftly report any incidents to the police.