VANDALS have attacked one of Bury’s most popular tourist attractions.

Now the East Lancashire Railway (ELR) is hoping the thugs will not return to derail its series of Easter Egg-stravanga family events.

Youths hurled stones at staff at a steam locomotive when they targeted the ELR during a three-day spate earlier this month.

They also attempted to board a moving train, putting themselves and the driver at risk.

ELR spokesman Kate Walker said: “We have suffered from three broken carriage windows, a steam locomotive bombarded by stones being thrown at the crew and youths attempting to board moving trains.”

She added: “Not only is this costly in repairs but also lost revenue, which as a registered charity is deeply saddening, however it is the risk of incidents involving people and moving trains which is serious and potentially endangering to life, that is of paramount importance to the ELR.

“Every possible action is being taken to prevent such behaviour and we would recommend anybody that sees or knows of anyone involved to report the persons to the appropriate local police.”

From today until Easter Monday, the ELR is staging an Easter Egg Hunt along the 12-mile line.

En route, visitors can have a hoot at a live owl display and also try their hands at some sand art.

For further details please visit www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk Anyone who has information about the vandalism should contact police on 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.