Children were caught on camera vandalising seating at a park - which has now had to be removed.

As well as standing on the wooden bench in Tenterden, the youths also tried to set it on fire and unscrewed bolts making it unsafe.

The anti-social behaviour has now prompted the town council to take them away.

A post on social media from Tenterden Town Council read: "Not only do youths keep trying to set fire to it, but they have been purposely standing on various parts of its structure which has made it unstable (CCTV has been reviewed).

"We have repeatedly repaired the bench, but it is now no longer viable.

"Such a shame that the few ruin it for everyone."

The post added that the authority will be reviewing what sort of benches would be better suited to the park such as metal ones.

The post continued: "It really saddens us how much unnecessary damage is caused to our property, which to be frank, belongs to the community, and also the volume of litter just left lying around even though there are numerous bins located nearby.

"Unfortunately due to their ages, we will never be able release any CCTV images of the culprits, however, if you know your child frequents the park with friends, maybe have a word with them on respecting our community."

A spokesperson from the council added: "Our issues have been that damage has been caused over a period of time ranging from trying to set fire to the bench, groups of youths standing on the top and seats of the bench making it unstable, to purposely unscrewing the bolts that hold it all together.

"Our team are regularly having to check all the wooden picnic benches as unscrewing the bolts seems to be a favourite pastime of many people.

"We have no immediate plans to replace the bench until we decide what would work best there.

"This may have to wait until we have progressed further with our plans for refurbishment of St Michaels park."