Bosses have issued a £1,000 reward after vandals ran riot at Upchurch River Valley Golf Club in the early hours of Sunday.

Ten electric golf buggies were damaged and at least four ended up being driven into a lake and ruined.

There were also tyre marks left in the sand bunker and young saplings uprooted during the night of mayhem on the 120 acres off Oak Lane, Upchurch.

Today the golf club's owners issued a reward for information leading to a prosecution.

A spokesman said: "The owners are keen to find our visitors who damaged buggies and the course in the early hours of Sunday morning.

"They are offering a £1,000 reward for any information that leads to a prosecution."

The club, which has an 18-hole course and two nine-hole courses, was opened by builder David Barling on June 14, 1991, after he bought the former Natal Farm.

A police spokesman said: "Officers are investigating reported criminal damage at a golf course in Upchurch, Sittingbourne.

"We were called about damage to 10 golf buggies, fencing and fairways between 2am and 2.30am on Sunday."

Witnesses or anyone with information should call the police appeal line on 01622 604100 giving the crime reference 46/65766/19. Or they can call Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The club is also anxious for information and can be emailed on proshop@rivervalleygolf.co.uk

Trees stolen

Two hundred laurel bushes valued at £400 were taken from Newington Cricket Club in Cold Harbour Lane at the end of last week.

The theft was discovered by club chairman Jerry Overbury.

He said: "I am furious. The club is quite remote and has been an easy target for the local undesirables."

Previous break-ins have the left the club with £12,000 worth of damage or lost property, including a TV.

The clubhouse was raided soon after its refurbishment last March when thieves stole lawnmowers, sofas and alcohol from the bar.

Mr Overbury said: "Police told me the shrubbery theft is probably because of the seasonal return of car boot fairs which can give a quick, untraceable profit."

Because of the thefts, the club's insurance premium has trebled.

Mr Overbury said: "The increase in premiums is even more damaging as the club has only just signed a 25-year lease on the property. We’re only a small cricket club. This damage will cost us almost a whole season's worth of subscriptions.”