YOUTHS who spoilt a children's sports day with anti-social behaviour have been criticised by civic leaders.

Officials running Ripon Children's Sports Day, at Camp Close, said it was difficult to control the troublemakers' behaviour

Youngsters pulled down a refreshment tent, stole drinks and crisps, shouted abuse at guests and members of the public, moved tyres which were to be used in obstacle races and verbally abused organisers which caused a race to be cancelled.

Their actions have been condemned by the city's Mayor, Councillor David Parnaby and one of Ripon's North Yorkshire county councillors, Councillor Bernard Bateman, who presented prizes.

Coun Bateman said he had been verbally abused along with others at the event by youngsters using indecent language.

"If Ripon Sports Day is to continue it needs more helpers," said Coun Bateman, a former city mayor.

"But no one should have to put up with the sort of verbal abuse they were given by a minority of 13 and 14-year-olds.

He paid tribute to a small band of people who had worked hard to keep the 53-year-old event going to provide a great day out.

Coun Parnaby, who also attended the sports day, said: "It is a terrible state of affairs when something like this happens at an event where people are giving their time voluntarily to provide an event like this."