Vandals left a trail of destruction after breaking into Looe Football Club HQ.

Police believe the culprits climbed over the perimeter fence and broke a lock to gain access.

The break-in was discovered by under-15s manager Paul Whitebrook when he visited the building to check on equipment.

He was confronted with upturned tables, broken crockery in the kitchen, some of which had been thrown into the club's car park, a shower in the changing rooms covered in tomato sauce, and rubbish thrown about everywhere. Up to 20 empty beer cans were also found.

Lying on the floor and damaged beyond repair was the club's stuffed donkey, which is presented after senior fixtures to the 'worst player of the match,' in a light-hearted ritual.

Club secretary Bill Horsfield said it had taken him and Paul Langan, under-9s manager, a day to clear up the mess, using a power washer.

'This was pure mindless vandalism and we don't need the hassle,' said Mr Horsfield.

'We have 150 youngsters on our books, training them and keeping them occupied.

'We take all these kids off the streets and then a few idiots come along, trash the place, and spoil it for everyone else. It makes you wonder if it's worthwhile sometimes.'

Mr Horsfield added that there had also been complaints from residents about youngsters in cars who congregated in the club car park at night and revved their engines and played loud music.

'We reluctantly had to fence off the field because of owners not picking up the mess from their dogs and we don't want to have to do the same with the car park,' he said.

'The police have responded to our request for spot checks to be carried out around our premises.'

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or Crimestoppers confidentially on 0800 555111.