Vandals who are repeatedly attacking a Guide hall, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage, were today condemned for their mindless behaviour.

Yobs have attacked the headquarters of Lancing District Guides, in Penhill Road, eight times in the last year, running up a repair bill of more than £5,000.

Windows were smashed at least three times leaving leaders no option but to board up the building to prevent further damage.

The latest attack was on Friday night when vandals smashed tiles on the side of the hall, ripped out fencing and broke guttering into tiny pieces.

A noticeboard was destroyed, and vandals stole a fire extinguisher from the hall and then threw it through a double-glazed window at the front of the building.

Now leaders say the continued attacks are putting a considerable strain on their finances.

They are urging local residents to inform police as soon as they spot youngsters at the site to prevent further damage.

Sandy Tout, the Guides' district commissioner, condemned the vandalism. She said: "This mindless damage that has no point whatsoever. I have no idea why the vandals appear to be targeting our hall and camp store.

"We have nothing of value in them and they cause a lot of extra expense to us each time we have to try and correct the damage.

"We have reached a point where we are spending more on repairs than on new equipment for the Guides.

"We have reached crisis point and it has to stop. Many of the people using our hall are children.

"Broken glass and tiles have hindered Guiders as they planned to use the grounds for tent pitching and games.

"They have to be extra viligant because of the dangers that now exist around the hall.

"The girls should be given the chance to have fun outdoors, but at present they have to be restricted to indoor activities."