VANDALS have attacked an obstacle course brought to them by an 81-year-old lady - before it even opened.

Last week, the Evening News told how grandma Tony Baxter and the Friends of Ronkswood Field worked for two years to bring about a new £22,000 obstacle course for the community, to encourage families to take exercise together.

It was due to open this week, but yobs have plagued workmen by pulling away the planks withholding the safety bark around the apparatus, and fooling around on the obstacles before they are concreted in place.

The Trim Track is now behind schedule. The rain has also added to the delays.

Even the erection of a security fence around the equipment has failed to stop the violation.

Mrs Baxter, who is chairman of the Friends, said: "I feel gutted. These are surely the people we are trying to help, and they can't seem to understand that."

Despite being a supergran, Mrs Baxter said she was "deflated" after learning about the behaviour.

"Last night I had a call saying kids were inside the fence, so I called the police. By the time they had arrived, I think the rain had forced the kids inside.

"The workmen are having to spend a couple of hours every morning undoing the damage done the night before. They are really fed up," she said.

Duty Inspector Paul Bogaard said Ronkswood field was the focus of an increased police presence.

"The area is especially marked and receives a primary response if we get a call to that area.

"The area is also subjected to increased police patrols - it is an area to which we pay extra attention," he added.

If you live in Ronkswood, and you have a story to tell, contact reporter Sam Dansie on 01905 742257, or email him at: sam.dansie@midlands.newsquest.co.uk