MEOPHAM's village cricket pitch has been wrecked by hooligans. Teenagers are believed to have been responsible for smashing through concrete barriers protecting the pitch at night and then driving a car back and forth across the playing square.

Meopham council clerk, Peter Tennyson, said: "A motor vehicle has churned up the pitch, including the carefully maintained square, by driving figures of eight. Extensive repairs will need to be carried out to restore it."

Parish councillor, Cynthia Barnes, said: "The ground was wet so the damage is very deep. No one saw what happened but the car must have been damaged by the posts."

A Kent police spokesman said: "If anyone saw anything, or can help in anyway, they should ring the Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111."