A TEAM of Earley teenagers grabbed paintbrushes and a pot of paint to spruce up a metal shelter left with peeling wallpaper and melted lights in a late-night arson attack.

A group of teenagers voluntarily re-painted the shelter, in Kilnsea field, on Tuesday last week while PCSO Andrew Clayton looked on. He said: "I was extremely impressed with the local teenagers in the way that they took it upon themselves to put this arson right.

"As I approached the group they had just finished painting the bench and informed me they want to make it presentable for members of the public. This group deserves credit for their actions."

The shelter was damaged on Sunday, July 24, when arsonists stacked it full of rubbish and debris before setting it alight.

Meanwhile, Earley Town Council has revealed it will begin replacing a piece of play equipment in Sol Joel Park left blackened and crumbling after an arson attack in March.

An agreement has been reached with the insurance company and councillors are now in the process of instructing the equipment provider, Proludic, to replace the popular Volcano - made up of tunnels, slides and climbing frames - with a new facility.

Town clerk Philip Truppin said: "It will be replaced, but it will take some time."

The £40,000 equipment was completely destroyed by vandals who poured petrol all over it. The play area had only been open for a year after the Town Council were awarded one of the last Playbuilder grants to build it.

Police are still hunting for the arsonists, who are not thought to be from the local area. Anyone with information should call 08458 505 505 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.