SHOCKED members of a Gwent sports club branded vandals "morons" after they wrecked a bench dedicated to the memory of the chairman's daughter.

The £600 bench at Croesyceiliog Cricket and Rugby Club was smashed to pieces overnight on Thursday.

The bench was bought for the club by club members and players for chairman Bruce Collier, in memory of his daughter, Helen, who died, aged 21, in 1998.

Police are investigating the vandalism, and cricket secretary Peter Williams, 63, said some teenagers had been seen drinking near the bench late on Thursday night.

"It's not on. Where are their parents at this time in the morning? When our club stewardess left at midnight they were still there, and there was a riot going on by 1am," he said.

"If it was just an ordinary bench that would be bad enough, but this bench was given to the club in memory of the chairman's daughter.

"We're all sick as pigs. Everyone you talk to here can't believe that these vandals are doing this. And who's going to pay for it?

"They've vandalised a bench which was engraved in someone's memory. Why select that one when there were plain benches either side?

"They're morons, absolute morons. The police are obviously following it up, and within a couple of days we'll know exactly how it is.

"We'll have to replace the bench because I don't think it can be repaired. I'm totally gutted."

Cwmbran crime prevention officer Police Constable Darrell Dewar said: "We received a call on Friday morning from the cricket club, which was a complaint of damage to a memorial bench, which had been vandalised overnight.

"It has significant sentimental value as it was placed there in memory of the chairman's daughter.

"The bench was completely smashed to the value of £600, and it looks as though youngsters were around there that night. We deplore any wanton damage."

Anyone with information or who witnessed the incident should contact PC Dewar at Cwmbran police station on 01633 838111.