A Workington football team have been left without a pitch after vandals removed some of its turf.

Salterbeck FC under-nines, who play home games at Garnet Crescent, were alerted to the vandalism over the weekend.

It came just days after the pitch, owned by Impact Housing and maintained by the club, had been returfed.

An area about the width of a goalmouth has been damaged in the attack.

The team, who have made an unbeaten start to the season, will have to train at the nearby Walker Road pitch until the surface is repaired.

Their next home game is due to be played in two weeks.

Salterbeck FC launched in May.

It will have to use its own funds to fix the damage.

Martyn Rossi, club founder, said: "We've raised money for new goalposts and then all of a sudden on Sunday night we've been informed that someone has dug up the pitch.

"It's one step forward and two steps back. It's the kids who will be affected by it.

"I don't see why anyone would want to destroy something for the kids. It's an absolute disgrace."

The new goalposts were recently installed after donations from residents and parents.

Martyn added: "Money doesn't grow on trees. The kids are going to be let down if people keep doing this."