No-one is saying who did it, although there was a name and initials in the graffiti. But vandals poured paint over the swings in Wouldham Recreation Ground in Knowle Road.

Some fencing and signs were also covered, and several children playing in the area went home with painty clothes as a result.

The incident happened over-night three weeks ago. The parish council obtained a quote to have the equipment cleaned, but the cost would have been £900.

Instead, a group of residents got together and did it themselves, with a little prompting from local school teacher Chris Nicholas.

Mr Nicholas said: “I just thought £900 was a huge drain on the parish. I put out an appeal for help on the Keep Wouldham Connected site and 25 people turned up on the day.”

Armed with ladders, paint stripper, white spirit, wire brushes, scrapers, paint-brushes, a power-washer, extension leads and hoses, they had the whole area as good as new in two hours.

Other villagers encouraged them by supplying the volunteers with bacon sandwiches and tea.