Drunk vandals rampaged through a charity's headquarters causing thousands of pounds of damage.

They broke into Ferring Country Centre before trashing a sensory garden, burning down a gazebo and ripping out plants.

The group of heartless yobs then lit a giant bonfire on the premises before downing cans of beer and partying through the night.

Peter Flay, one of centre's instructors, said: "It's not just the damage caused but the fact these mindless vandals seemed not to care that we are a charity."

Staff arrived at the centre, which helps hundreds of people with learning difficulties, on Sunday morning to be greeted by the scene of devastation.

Hanging baskets were torn down, trolleys up-turned and wheelbarrows damaged.

The willow gazebo which formed part of a sensory garden haven was torn out the ground, taken to a nearby field and burned.

It came as the centre, in Rife Way, Ferring, was in the middle of its annual two-day plant sale which provides a massive boost for its coffers.

Most of the plants, many of which had been damaged, were planted and reared by children with learning difficulties.

Staff were forced into a hasty clear-up operation before customers arrived on Sunday morning.

However remains of the bonfire strewn with beer cans could still be seen and much of the damage was still on show.

Luckily dozens of horses kept at the centre, which clients use for riding therapy, were unharmed.

Manager Lynda Vowles said: "It looked pretty bad the next day, there still is quite a bit of damage on show that we haven't been able to clear yet.

"There were beer cans strewn right around the bonfire. The fire must have been pretty big from the look of it. It's just a real shame for everyone here.

"The gazebo on its own cost £400 and there is plenty of other damage around the area which will need to be fixed."

It is thought the vandals broke into the centre via one of two footpaths which run around the venue.

Police were alerted on Sunday but staff said officers have not yet visited the centre.

Mrs Vowles added: "We've been given a crime number so far but nobody has actually been down to take a look."

Sussex Police confirmed it is investigating the incident.

It is the latest in a series of vandalism at the centre.

Teenagers struck at the centre in 2002, hurling eggs at its buildings and shouting "spastics" at one young girl.

Obscenities were also scrawled in wet cement.

Around £2,000 worth of damage was caused.

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