VANDALS painted swear words and rude images on children's artwork during a wrecking spree at a nursery in the Louisa Centre at Stanley.

Staff gave up their Sunday to clear up so children could attend on Monday. Nothing, apart from £5 tea money, was taken but damage to a computer, TV and video and carpets looks set to cost £2,000.

The vandals, thought to be teenagers, got into the nursery on Saturday afternoon from the building site at the back of the sports centre, which is being extended to incorporate a swimming pool.

The centre was open and staff were alerted to the break-in when water went through the reception area ceiling because sinks in the upstairs nursery had been blocked and taps turned on.

Centre manager Norman Robinson said: "They have gone haywire. The graffiti is about as obscene as you can imagine."

Sgt Mick Dunn, of Stanley police, said: "The people responsible would have been covered in glue, glitter and possibly paint.''

He said a hat found at the scene was being investigated and urged anyone with any information to telephone Stanley police station on (01207) 232144.