THOUSANDS of pounds worth of damage is being caused throughout the Vale by bored youngsters.

Farmers, visitor centre managers, and animal sanctuary volunteers are appealing to children to stay off their land.

Police are also urging parents to keep a tight rein on their children during the school holidays.

Janet Taylor of the farm animal sanctuary in Middle Littleton said: "All our silage, worth £500, has been ruined by young people slashing the black plastic coverings.

"This means all our animal food for the winter - 40 bales - has gone. I don't think these youngsters realise just what effect their silly tricks have on charity organisations like ours."

Farmer Joan Bomford said: "We get quite a lot of vandalism, particularly in the Badsey area. I do wish parents would become more aware of the cost to farmers."

Rural beat manager, Tom Iddon said: "Every year during the summer holidays we get dozens of reports about youngsters causing havoc on farms and visitor centres.

"Barns and sheds in Bretforton and Broadway have been burned down, gates are left open for animals to escape and hay and straw gets damaged.

"The problem is that children are bored to death and their parents have no idea where they are during the daytime.

"Apart from the untold damage to charities, and the cost involved to farmers and visitor centres, there is also the danger factor.

"Young people could get badly hurt as a result of trespassing. I urge parents to keep their children under control for the rest of the summer holidays."