SUPPORTERS have been fundraising for a popular tourist attraction and donkey sanctuary after vandals went on the rampage causing hundreds of pounds worth of damage.

During the night of July 24/25 criminals entered the Tamar Valley Donkey Park at St Ann’s Chapel and wrecked the picnic area.

News of the criminal damage quickly spread on social media and has outraged the community and visitors to the much-loved park.

A spokesperson for the charity said it was a mindless act of vandalism: ‘As a struggling animal sanctuary we do not need unnecessary costs.’

Julia Gibbons, one of the owners of the park, said: ‘We opened at the door at 10am and there it was — all the picnic benches were upside down and all the parasols were squashed underneath.

‘One of the picnic benches is beyond repair and one has to be repaired. Why they did this we do not know and right in the middle of the busiest season and the hottest season when people really need shade.’

Julia said that the community had been very supportive since the vandalism occurred — one anonymous supporter had set up a JustGiving page for £500 and within hours that amount had increased dramatically.

‘Darrens Cars came in later that day and brought some parasols for us to use which were just in their shed,’ said Julia. ‘And local carpenter Steve Morris came in to see us and said he would help with anything he could.

‘Plus a local business has offered to give a discount on their garden benches.’

Chair of Calstock Parish Council Kate Latham said she was shocked to hear of the vandalism: ‘The parish council was appalled by the vandalism at the donkey park. Incidents like this cause distress to all involved not only financially but to the wider community as well. All cases like this should be reported to the police so a dossier can be compiled and any patterns can be identified.’

To donate on the JustGiving page, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/tamarvalleydonkeypark

The supporter who set up the JustGiving page said: ‘We are trying to raise funds to replace and fix items at the Tamar Valley Donkey Park that sadly have been vandalised and broken overnight but also raise funds for security cameras and lighting to be installed.

‘There’s a great team of staff that dedicate their lives to caring for these lovely animals. It’s a great place in our local community and it would be a shame if we couldn’t turn this unfortunate event around.’