A village football club devastated when its brand-new dugouts were vandalised has been lifted by the generosity of a local businessman who stepped in to repair them free of charge.
Briston Bulls Football Club had only just installed the dugouts this summer when vandals struck in broad daylight on July 23.
CCTV captured three boys entering the shelters at around 2.30pm and remaining there for 20 minutes before leaving.
The incident, described by club chairman Martin Meek as “soul-destroying”, left the team reeling.
Having only just returned to playing at Briston this season, they feared the damage would leave them unable to use the dugouts for their home fixtures.
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But their fortunes changed when Thomas Stewart of Norfolk Doors Ltd, offered to carry out the repairs without charge and completed the work in time for the club’s first home match of the season.
Mr Stewart, managing director of the Norwich-based industrial door firm, said: “I managed Briston FC between 2017 and 2020, so I know how hard everyone works to keep it going.
"When I saw the dugouts had been damaged, I felt I had to do something.
"I just wanted to put something back into the local community.
"Village football clubs rarely get much support nowadays, so it felt important to step in.”
The Briston Bulls first team have returned to the ground after four years away, winning 5-4 in a thrilling game.
Mr Meek added: “We were heartbroken to see our dugouts vandalised, but thanks to the incredible generosity of Norfolk Doors they’ve been replaced free of charge.
"On behalf of everyone at the club, I want to sincerely thank them – it means so much to us and shows the real strength of our local community."
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