MINDLESS vandals have struck again in yet another blow to volunteers at the Swindon and Cricklade Railway.

It is just the latest in a series of incidents, each one costing valuable time and money for the committed team of men and women simply trying to enjoy their hobby and provide an interesting attraction for visitors.

The most recent act of intentional damage has seen graffiti sprayed in orange paint on the wall that runs alongside the track at its southernmost point, Taw Valley Halt. The handle of a piece of equipment was also coated entirely in orange paint.

Adrian Brodie, who volunteers at the Swindon and Cricklade Railway, said: "On Saturday morning, volunteers discovered a new graffiti attack at their southernmost point, Taw Valley Halt.

"The orange daubing, although not as bad as other previous attacks, nevertheless, will take further volunteer time and efforts to remove."

Just last week, the volunteers were appealing for help as they set about restoring a 58-year-old coach, sourced to replace another destroyed in a terrible arson attack last year.

Skilled welders and steel fabricators are required to return the rare ‘Thumper’ to its former glory, and the heritage railway are offering free membership to anyone who can help.

Adrian Thompson, a volunteer on the project, explained that attacks by mindless criminals, whether arson or otherwise, weren't going to derail the hard work of the team.

“We are basically trying to get the railway back to where it was before the arson attack," he said.

"It could have got people down, but it’s given people a spirit and that pride to want to restore it.”

If you have any information about the criminal damage inflicted on the Swindon and Cricklade Railway, you can call Wiltshire Police on 101 or alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers and leave information anonymously on 0800 555 111.