VANDALS have destroyed two memorial benches in a Bolton country park less than a day after they were installed.

Both benches were upturned and broken in Jumbles Country Park.

One of them had been hurled down a bank and through a fence.

Angry walkers who spotted the broken benches phoned United Utilities, which owns the park, to report the problem. Relatives of the people commemorated by the benches were due to visit Jumbles to see the finished memorials.

The visits have been postponed until the benches can be replaced.

The brass memorial plaques, dedicated to the memory of two local people who enjoyed walking at the reservoir and park, had been screwed to the benches and can be replaced.

Glynn Haworth, United Utilities countryside ranger, said: "It's very upsetting, primarily for the families who asked for the memorial benches to be placed in the park. We will be replacing the benches quickly, but that does not relieve these families' distress. The actions of a thoughtless few are spoiling the enjoyment of this lovely spot for everyone."

The benches were in a viewing area overlooking the reservoir, close to the disabled parking area.