VANDALS doused scenery and costumes in paint after breaking into a store room used by York Scouts and Guides to prepare for their annual show.

Mike Green, stage manager of the York Scout and Guide Gang Show, said he was extremely disappointed by the actions of the vandals who have not only held up preparations but wasted cans of donated paint.

Mr Green is now looking for alternative premises as the old offices off Metcalfe Lane, Osbaldwick, have been plagued by break-ins.

He said: "On Friday we got broken into and some of the scenery damaged with paint.

"We were in the process of building it for our next show at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre in November.

"We'd like to get it known that we're having these problems and if there's anyone with premises that we could use, we'd be very pleased to hear from them."

Mr Green said he would also like people to tell the police if anyone came home with signs they may have been involved in the break-in, which was discovered on Friday at around 7pm.

They may have had paint on their shoes or clothes.

The vandals broke a window to gain entry and, as well as damaging scenery and costumes, daubed obscene words on the walls and spread paint on the floor.

Mr Green said: "It's red, orange, blue, green and white paint, and they also spread some glue around.

"We've cleaned it up, but there's still a lot left. The costumes have been collected over years and a lot of the paint had been donated by DIY stores in York which all needs to be replaced.

"It saddens us that when we're working voluntarily to provide entertainment for young kids a small group like this just make it more difficult for us."

If you have any information about the break in call PC David Ward at York Police on 01904 631321.

If you can help Mr Green by donating paint or lending him premises to use for preparations call him on 01904 704313.