Village youngsters are facing a bill of up to £5,000 for repairs to their scout hut after it was trashed.

The Weeley and Little Clacton Scout Group's base has been broken into at least four times already this year.

Hundreds of pounds of damage has been caused to the windows and frames during the raids.

But on Monday night the hut on Weeley Playing Field was completely vandalised and repairs will run into thousands of pounds.

Ron Talbot, Tendring district scout commissioner, said everyone involved with the group - which has been in the village for 30 years - was totally devastated.

"We are talking about a solid secure brick building but it has been totally trashed inside," he said.

"It was discovered by our security firm on Tuesday morning. All the fire extinguishers had been set off, paint had been poured over all the floors and carpets, the walls had been sprayed with paint, cupboards were ripped off the walls and everything breakable had been smashed."

Mr Talbot said police had done everything possible to catch those responsible for all the raids - within the resources available to them.

"I cannot praise the police enough and they have been marvellous throughout," he added.

"This is not the work of youngsters or village residents who have always been supportive but someone with a grudge. We have our own thoughts and the police are well aware of those."

Mr Talbot said the latest attack came after scouts had staged a large camp on the field over the weekend.

Less than 24 hours later, the site - which is used by 60 to 70 youngsters each week - was vandalised. The message to those responsible is that they will not force us out," Mr Talbot added.

"We will make the necessary repairs and carry on - we were actually in the process of putting bars at the windows."

Sgt Jon Hayter said that police were investigating the latest incident.

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