VANDALS who smashed centuries-old windows at Helmsley Castle may have been vying with each other to see who could break the most.

That is one theory being considered by experts from English Heritage, the organisation which looks after the castle ruins.

Damage which is expected to cost hundreds of pounds to repair was caused to historic leaded windows in the Tudor House alongside the ancient castle. Custodian Cheryl Stone, of English Heritage, said: "We are having to bring in specialists to repair the windows because of their age and historic value.

"It was just sheer vandalism. It looks as though those responsible were having a competition to see who could do the most damage."

Stones found nearby had been used to break the windows and cause extensive damage to the lead flashing.

"We think the vandals had climbed over the castle walls or gates to get in" said Ms Stone.

She is urging members of the public to help in tracing the culprits.

"It was a very light night on Saturday so they may have been seen by someone in the vicinity," Ms Stones said.

North Yorkshire Police spokesman Tony Lidgate said the damage was reported to them at 10.15am on Sunday.

He said they were told that four leaded Tudor windows within the castle complex had been smashed overnight.

Police scenes of crimes officers carried out an investigation in the hope of tracking down the vandals. An English Heritage spokesman said: "All of our properties suffer vandalism to some degree. We will replace these windows as soon as possible."