A PICTURESQUE village has been hit by a spate of vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

Vandals have targeted Escomb, near Bishop Auckland, tipping over headstones in the council burial yard, carving up the football field with their cars, and smashing a window at the church.

Dirty needles used for drugs have been found near the River Wear, and residents are also angry at the sound of cars roaring through the village in the early hours.

Wear Valley District Councillor Derek Jago said the anti-social behaviour had been a problem in the past, but it was on the increase again.

"The biggest expense is the damage which is being done to the burial yard over a period of time," said Coun Jago.

"The problem is if we have stones which are pulled over, who is liable if a large headstone falls on top of someone?"

Police believe vandals used an air gun or catapult to fire a pellet at the church window on Sunday while a harvest festival service was taking place.

The church was built in 670AD and is considered to be the oldest Saxon church in England which still holds services.

The Reverend Mike Dent said: "The church is virtually unique, it is known all over the world."

He said he didn't think the church vandalism was malicious, but more likely "just kids being kids."

Days earlier, a tombstone had been smashed in the council burial yard and two headstones pushed over.

Coun Jago, a lay reader at the church, said the burial yard was also being used as a "dogs' toilet" by some inconsiderate pet owners.

"It's a disgrace. It is still an open burial yard, not a closed one as some people seem to think," he said.

"I've asked the planning department to look at the possibility of lowering part of the wall on the outside so you can see what is happening when people go in," he said.

Anyone with information about the vandalism should contact Bishop Auckland Police on (01388) 603566.