VANDALS with an apparent grudge against older people have attacked a leisure centre near Selby, burning the slogan OAPS OUT into the cricket pitch.

Volunteers at Bubwith Leisure Centre, at Bubwith, near Selby, were furious to discover the message which had been burned into the grass with an unknown chemical.

Two large strips of grass on the cricket square had also been damaged by the substance.

Rosemary Readman, vice-chairman of Bubwith Leisure Centre and playing fields committee, said: "I could have cried when I saw it. The committee are saddened and appalled at the wilful vindictive vandalism on the field and cricket square.

"We must name and shame whoever did this. It seems to be someone who has a grudge against the over-60s who work very hard at this leisure centre."

A pensioner herself, Mrs Readman, 69, said the vandalism was an insult.

She said the centre, which is run by volunteers, does a lot for young people in the village including running a youth club. It has also improved a playground and will be hosting a family disco this Friday at 7pm.

She said centre was now looking at its CCTV footage to see if it would help catch those responsible.

She said: "This was planned to try and hurt the cricket club and the OAPs who work voluntarily for the leisure centre and playing fields. It wasn't done on the spur of the moment."

Mrs Readman said the centre now needed a large amount of water to dilute the chemical and help wash the poisonous product away.

The police, who are investigating the incident, have taken away samples of the substance used on the grass for testing.

A spokeswoman from Humberside Police said they believed local youths may have been involved.

She said: "We are following up a number of leads. It is needless vandalism and also quite offensive.

"We hope it hasn't caused too much alarm to anyone."

If anyone has any information regarding the incident they should phone Goole police on 01405 762131.

Updated: 10:45 Wednesday, October 02, 2002