Vandals have caused almost £1,000 of damage to a football club, just weeks after it was saved from closure.

Thieves broke into Bicester Town FC, in Oxford Road, between 11pm on Sunday, August 12 and 7.40am on Monday.

They used a scaffolding pole and an iron bar to break through wooden shutters into the newly refurbished changing rooms. Tiles and lockers were smashed and a number of club football strips stolen.

Club chairman David Simpson with the metal bar the vandals used to break in A trolley of gas bottles, used for the bar, was taken, but was recovered from Piggy Lane, Bicester, on Monday.

Members have only just finished renovating the changing rooms ready for the new football season.

David Simpson, chairman of the club, said: "I am disgusted that some mindless vandals have taken it upon themselves to trash the place."

The committee plans to review the security mea- sures.

Bicester has had a football club for about 120 years, but it was threatened with closure after running into difficulties. Mr Simpson took over chairmanship of the club in July, and has formed new committee to look after and promote the club.

If anyone is offered a Bicester Town football kit, call Bicester police on 01869 364520.