A VICAR has spoken of his disgust after vandals destroyed a memorial bench in a Darlington churchyard.

It is the second time in two years that the bench, at St Andrews Church, in Haughton, has been targeted by vandals.

In 2006, the bench, which was erected in memory of parishioner Bob Withington and his sons, Jason and Peter, had its plaque torn off and graffiti was carved into it.

But this time, the bench has been destroyed by vandals jumping on it, breaking the wooden slats.

Mr Withington chose the bench in memory of his sons be fore he died from lung cancer in February 2006. Jason died aged 19 in Northern Ireland and Peter was killed in a car accident aged 25.

The attack took place on Thursday night.

The previous evening, the vicar, Dr David Bryan, moved on youths who were drinking in the churchyard.

He said: "I'm really shocked that people have done this.

"The bench was situated in a space where there's a carpet of flowers on the floor.

"I used to get in a bit of a trouble when I was a teenager, but I can't remember ever being capable of destroying a garden of remembrance.

"Jumping on and smashing a seat is taking things to another level.

"It must be someone who is not in their right mind because of drink or someone who is very angry."

Empty bottles of cheap wine were found scattered around the churchyard. Dr Bryan said the bench would be replaced, although he said church officials would look at getting a wrought iron bench to prevent more vandalism.

Dr Bryan said: "Of course it's going to cost us a bit.

"The last bench was around £350. But this has got to be done right and sadly we have to take these precautions."

PC Neil McClintock, from Darlington police, said: "Members of the church have been left particularly upset by this wanton vandalism."

Anyone with any information is asked to call PC McClintock on 0845-60-60-365.