A FOOTBALL club subjected to "wanton vandalism" has reminded those responsible that they are part of the community.

Yobs broke into the free-standing container at Stoneclough FC's home ground in Brook Street and caused "mindless damage."

Stoneclough FC has been planning to renovate the container into a kitchen and café for its newly established junior team.

Peter Conroy, secretary, said the club would "bounce back" but that the incidents were a huge annoyance and upsetting when they are part of the Stoneclough community.

"We keep being targeted and we keep repairing the damage", he said. "This time they got into the container and smashed all the plasterboard. You can see punch marks on the material. They have hit it with bricks and who knows what else. They also smashed the glass in the windows. It is a huge mess.

"If you know who has done this, please contact us."

The playing fields, off Market Street, are the only football pitches in the village, used by dozens of people of all ages.

Stoneclough FC has been at the heart of the community since the 1970s and plays in the West Lancashire league Premier Division. It comprises two adult teams as well as its new junior team for children under six.

In addition to the recent spate of anti-social behaviour, the club was previously targeted in November 2014 when another cabin was broken into via the kitchen window, and a Freeview TV box, cans of soft drink and sweets were stolen.

The latest damage has not been reported to the police, with the club saying there was "nothing inside the container and no serious harm done."

Staff from club chairman David Berry's Farnworth-based company Film Scaffolding Services pulled together to carry out repairs on Saturday.

Mr Conroy said: "When we get the time and the money, we are keen to upgrade this into a small café and shelter for spectators. We are going to take the positives out of this.

"We are fortunate that we didn't have anything in there.

"People have been offering to help us and maybe it is a good time to get it plumbed in."

Anyone who is able to assist the club in developing its new café should call Mr Conroy on 07985 704 975.