AN innovative booze-free teenagers' pub has been devastated by vandals - even before it has opened. Volunteers at the Sycamore Project in Farnworth, were sickened when yobs broke in and wrecked everything inside. They are still assessing the cost of the damage which will set the scheme's opening day back several months.

Despite the widespread damage they vowed today that the scheme will definitely still go ahead.

After months of fund raising, project volunteers finally got the keys to the former Ferns Wine Bar on Market Street last Thursday.

Volunteer Stuart Barnes said: "Both the old bars, the ceiling, the sinks in the toilets and kitchen units have all been destroyed.

"It is just mindless vandalism and very upsetting. We can't believe this has happened just days after we finally got the keys to the place."

He added: "It is a severe setback, but we are determined that we will still go ahead."

As reported in the BEN, the Christian charity has been busy raising cash to fund the £48,000 project.

It was due to open in June but is now unlikely to open until near the end of the year.

It is set to include satellite TV, pool, video games, a juke-box and exotic non-alcoholic cocktails.

A daytime community cafe and early evening homework club are also planned.

The Sycamore team are determined to take youngsters off street corners and give them a place to go and meet in safety.

Anyone who can help the project with donations or practical help can call Mr Barnes on Bolton 577968.

Anyone with information about the vandal attack should call police on 0161 872 5050.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.