A PLEA has gone out to over-keen youngsters not to use the new football pitch at Yelverton before it is ready.

The pitch, at the village park, will be ready for use by May when the new grass seed has taken. However, a spokesman said, over-keen youngsters are causing ?substantial damage? by attempting to use the pitch before it is ready.

?The youngsters need to keep off the grass for just a few more weeks,? he said.

The park is maintained entirely by volunteers, and the park committee asks parents to be be vigilant in an attempt to prevent more damage.