VANDALS went on the rampage and smashed up the clubhouse and dressing rooms of Prestwich Heys FC.

Dismayed club bosses fear they will not be able to host games following the incident on Tuesday night (Feb 11).

Tomorrow's (Sat Feb 15) reserve team game has already been cancelled and the race is on to stage a youth team semi-final on Sunday.

The catalogue of damage at the Sandgate Road ground, which was discovered at 11pm on Tuesday, saw the yobs:

set off a fire extinguisher and scrawl obscenities over the walls

steal items including a microwave and beer

break into the dressing rooms, smashing a partition wall and the referee's shower

smash framed pictures of the club's history.

Councillor Wilf Davison, club chairman, said he was deeply disappointed.

"The place looks awful," he said. "I've been up to do some repairs but it will take a long time to put right.

"I'm very disappointed after all the things we have done for the local community, including running various youth teams. We had a bad summer last year with vandalism. You wonder whether it's worthwhile, but we will keep battling away."

A team of volunteers was involved in the massive clean-up.

PC John Flowers, of Bury Police, said: "It is a tragedy that an organisation such as Prestwich Heys FC, which does so much good for the community, falls foul of senseless vandals.

"I would urge anyone with any information about the burglary, or who knows the identity of the offenders, to contact us immediately."

Heys is one of the leading amateur football clubs in the Manchester area, running two senior sides and two under-17 sides.

The club is currently on the crest of a wave with the first team making it through to the final of the prestigious Goldline Trophy, to be played at the Reebok Stadium, home of Bolton Wanderers, on April 9.

Prestwich Heys was formed in 1938 and moved from its Heys Road headquarters to Sandgate Road in 1992.

Anyone with information should contact Whitefield Police on 872 5050, or call Crimestoppers, free and anonymously, on 0800 555111.