VANDALS have caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage at the Swindon and Cricklade Railway.

This is not the first time that the historic site has been targeted by hoodlums but the fact that the railway has been closed for weeks and had none of the usual income from visitors will make this latest blow more difficult to recover from.

Volunteers are appealing for donations to help them cover repair costs.

A spokesman said: "Another heartbreaking discovery tonight at Taw Valley Halt. One of our members was taking his hour exercise and took the decision to check up on our station site.

"Again, mindless idiots have vandalised the station causing damage that will cost hundreds of pounds and several volunteer man hours to put right, taking them away from other vital maintenance tasks.

"This has been reported to Wiltshire Police We're closed to the public. Please do not enter our site under any circumstances. Members are now back on site and maintenance trains could be running. The railway, closed or open, is a dangerous place.

"As it stands, we haven't turned a wheel this season and have yet to make a single penny in revenue. Damage like this takes its toll on all our hard work and often money out of members' pockets.

"If you'd like to help, we'd love you to donate to us either using the button on this post, or our new text donation service.

"Thank you for your continued support during this troubling time."

Text SNCRAILWAY to 70085 to donate £5. Texts cost £5 plus one standard rate message and will opt the sender in to hear more about the railway's work and fundraising via SMS. If you’d like to give £5 but do not wish to receive marketing communications, text SNCRAILWAYNOINFO to 70085.

To donate other amounts, use SNCRAILWAY and the amount you wish to donate e.g SNCRAILWAY 20 to donate £20, etc.