THE coach at a Ribble Valley football team has described the vandals who have driven through his football pitches as ‘mindless idiots’.

Chris Hutchinson, who coaches the under 9s at Langho Football Club, came across the damage after arriving for training with his team last Saturday.

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The dad-of-three, who is also a sergeant for Lancashire Police, reported the incident and stepped up patrols around the Dewhurst Road club.

Sgt Hutchinson, who has spent several years at the club both as a player and a coach, said his team’s faces dropped when they saw the grass.

He said: “It’s unbelievable, we had 12 lads come down to training on Saturday and they were all distraught when they saw the damage.

“This has been caused by mindless idiots who have not had a care in the world.

“They’ve not taken a short cut through the field, they’ve repeatedly damaged it.

“There’s numerous tyre tracks and donuts on the grass, it’s going to take ages for the grass to return to normal.

“The club has gathered together some volunteers to help try and restore the pitches for our first game of the season on Saturday.”

It is understood that a similar incident happened at the Queen Elizabeth II playing fields in Mitton Road, Whalley over the weekend.

Sgt Hutchinson said: I saw the pitch the other day and the volunteers have done a fantastic job, we should be able to use the pitches for our first match.

“Several dozens of people have been affected by this.

“We are one of the most active non league clubs in Lancashire with a thriving community.

“If anyone wants to contact me with information then call 01282 472479 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”