A Skipton play area has been closed after vandals set fire to a piece of equipment.

Several hundreds of pounds of damage was caused to the Broughton Road play park after it was targeted by fire bugs last week.

The park has now been closed until further notice for specialist repairs.

Dave Parker, chief officer for Skipton Town Council, said a reward was being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. He said: “Once again, a small number of mindless individuals have spoilt things for the large number of local children who normally use the play area on a daily basis.”

The attack is the second on a council-owned play park after the play area at Burnside Recreation Ground was badly damaged by fire last year.

Burnside resident Sue Carpenter said money for the playground equipment had been raised by a small group of residents.

Mr Parker and Mrs Carpenter both urged anyone with information to contact the police.

He said: “The town council and the police would like to hear from anyone who might have seen anything on Thursday evening, or who might have information about who is responsible.”

* Two 12-year-old boys were arrested in connection with the attack and later released on bail.