A charity cafe which saw its picnic tables ruined by yobs in a city park has had its broken furniture replaced thanks to a generous offer.

Tables outside The Feed's Waterloo Park Pavilion Cafe, off Angel Road in NR3, were found smashed to pieces last week, leaving staff and volunteers "bitterly disappointed".

Police are searching for the vandals but the cafe's frustration has been eased thanks to a city shopping centre.

Gemma Hyde, a spokeswoman for Castle Quarter, said: "The Feed does such good work and supports so many people locally, so we really wanted to do what we could to help them out.

Eastern Daily Press: The tables were vandalised outside Waterloo Park last weekThe tables were vandalised outside Waterloo Park last week (Image: Barrie Slade)

"We had three benches in storage, which we no longer needed, so we happily gifted them to the social enterprise.

READ MORE: Chippy owner on the brink of 'losing everything' due to city roadworks

"Warmer spring days are just around the corner, and we hope the furniture will be well used, bringing lots of people out to enjoy the park cafe."

Chris Elliott, marketing manager for The Feed, initially received a message from one of his colleagues last Wednesday about the incident.

But the generosity of Castle Quarter has helped save the charity from having to dip into its funds for any replacements.

Eastern Daily Press: New picnic tables have been donated to the charity by Castle QuarterNew picnic tables have been donated to the charity by Castle Quarter (Image: Archant)

He said: "The donation of some picnic tables is a kind gesture by Castle Quarter.

"It means that, very quickly, there are tables for our customers to enjoy our food and drinks outside.

"It's also saved us money too."

READ MORE: City travel agent shop smashed up in Hellesdon burglary

Police are hoping to hear "from anyone" who has information about the damage.

A police spokeswoman said: "We received a report of criminal damage on Wednesday.

Eastern Daily Press: Police have confirmed it's investigating the incidentPolice have confirmed it's investigating the incident (Image: Barrie Slade)

"The incident occurred between 5pm on Tuesday, February 20 and 7.30am on Wednesday, February 21 when three benches were damaged in Waterloo Park.

"Anyone with any information is asked to contact us via our website, 101, or Crimestoppers, quoting reference 36/12129/24."

Eastern Daily Press: Chris Elliott, marketing manager at The Feed, said the replacement tables will help customers enjoy our food and drinks outsideChris Elliott, marketing manager at The Feed, said the replacement tables will help customers enjoy our food and drinks outside (Image: Chris Elliott)