Vandals forced their way into Cockermouth Town Hall and left a trail of destruction.

They used a fire extinguisher to smash doors, forced locks and urinated in drawers, over seats and carpets.

More than eight doors were seriously damaged and £80 was stolen from a locked cash box which they forced open in one of the offices.

The attackers broke into the town council clerk's office and the three offices on the first floor last Wednesday night. They threw coffee around one of the rooms.

Yesterday, town clerk Sheila Brown said they were still compiling a list of the damage caused.

She added: "They've been into just about every room in the town hall and caused a shocking amount of damage.

"I don't understand why they have targeted the town hall, there's nothing worth taking here.

"It's the damage they have caused which is so upsetting, it leaves a horrible feeling. It was disgusting and took us hours to clean it all up."

Cockermouth mayor Sam Standage said: "It's a travesty. It's totally mindless vandalism and so unpleasant."

Repairs to the listed building on Market Street are expected to cost about £1,000.

Mrs Brown added: "We are insured but I doubt we will claim as it will push up the premium, so it's the taxpayers who will have to pay."