A MEMORIAL bench installed in tribute to a villager, has been badly damaged by mindless vandals.

The seat, on Grove recreation ground, was placed in memory of Bonnie Bonnington.

Vandals targeted the bench, near the allotment gate at the weekend, leaving it badly burned,

People who spotted the charred remains posted photographs on social media to alert other park visitors.

One angry Facebook user, Valerie Locke, commented: “Some people are so wicked.

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"There are a lot of elderly people who rely on being able to stop and have a rest enabling them to get to shops and be independent."

Wantage resident Elisabeth Green said: "Bonnie's friend who arranged for the bench to be put in the recreation ground has asked me to thank people for their concern and kind words."

Grove Parish Council also commented under the post that it will check what the insurance of the bench is.