A WOODEN sculpture carved by Wensleydale schoolchildren to mark the millennium has been wrecked by vandals.

The 8ft revolving structure on the roadside between Bainbridge and Hawes was targeted on Saturday night or early Sunday, when carved animals were smashed and supporting arms broken.

The piece was made in 2000 by children from the area with guidance from artist David Gross and design advice from local pensioners. It featured four arms, each with a carved bird or ram's head, and a central leaping salmon.

Coun Yvonne Peacock, of Bainbridge, said: "I am disgusted and appalled at what they have done. This was built by the local community and they've come along and ripped it to bits."

She urged anyone with information about the incident to contact police. PC Dave Cousins, of Richmondshire police, is investigating.

North Yorkshire County Council has pledged to repair the sculpture if possible. Paula Greear-Taylor, the authority's youth arts manager, said residents and tourists had grown to love the artwork, which initially did not please national park planners.

"People now look out for it and we only ever get positive feedback," she said.

She was unsure why anyone would wish to damage it.

"This was built by their own community and, in a way, they have destroyed a community symbol."

The sculpture was one of six created across the county by the Connecting Youth Culture project to mark the new millennium. Other pieces are at Filey, Kirkbymoorside, Thirsk School, East Cowton and Tan Hill.