What possesses kids to do this?

Everything needed to stage the annual summer event had been kept safely in the Scout hut, on Middlewich Road, for the past three years but organisers were met with a scene of destruction when they entered the hut on Thursday and found carnival dresses destroyed, everything that could be broken smashed to pieces and paint everywhere.

A large gazebo and a wooden boat were among the items stolen.

Margaret Ashbrook, Rudheath carnival organiser, said: "I'm absolutely devastated. I went in and it was trashed - I can't believe it.

"I'm really struggling to express how I feel, it's so upsetting."

The vandals used a crow bar to smash the lock from the back door and break into the hut before destroying the carnival gear. They also left taps running.

Margaret said: "Costumes, flowers, streamers, dresses ripped, torn and full of paint - I can't go in because I just cry.

"Three years of doing what I can for the kids and working for the community has just gone - it's a waste of time."

The carnival was not going to take place this year because organisers were struggling to find a venue but the break-in has made organisers wonder if it is worth the effort.

Organisers believe the devastation was committed by young yobs from the area.

Margaret said: "We've been struggling to find a field to stage the event but this has absolutely ruined it for me.

"It's just destroyed the atmosphere - it's devastating to see that you try your best for the kids and this is what they do."

Jean Groom, chairwoman of the parish council, said: "What possesses kids to do this?

"It's taken years to build up and is very sad indeed."

She added: "You think the hut is safely out of the way, then this happens - it's really upsetting."

Carnival organisers are offering a reward for any information about the incident.

Anyone who can help get the carnival back on track, should contact Margaret on 01606 41416.