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Distraught model railway enthusiasts were greeted with a scene of devastation after vandals broke into their exhibition hours before it was due to open.

Members of the Market Deeping Model Railway Club were in "tears" when they arrived on Saturday ahead of the annual show in Stamford, Lincolnshire, to find their labour of love had been destroyed.

Thousands of pounds worth of damage had been caused with chairman Peter Davies, 70, saying exhibits had been smashed, thrown around and stamped on, including a locomotive unit worth around £8,500.

"I've never experienced anything like it. A hurricane would have done less damage," he said.

(Image: Facebook) (Image: Facebook)

He added to the BBC: "Models that were made over years were trodden on and thrown around. It's a total wanton destruction of the highest order.

"Can you imagine your life's work wrecked? One guy spent 25 years on his work and it's wrecked, it's just horrendous.

"We will never have the time to build the sort of layouts again, that's where the anger comes from."

Four youths were yesterday arrested for burglary and criminal damage.

The noise from the break-in at Stamford Welland Academy alerted nearby residents who phoned police before the alarm system was set off.

(Image: mdmrc.org)

(Image: mdmrc.org)

The exhibition - which has been running for 12 years - was expected to attract 500 to 600 people - many from miles away.

Speaking to the Stamford Mercury, chairman Mr Davies said the incident was "devastating" and he had never seen anything like it.

"It's heartbreaking," he said.

"There were grown men there in tears because of what had been done, and I admit I was one of them."

The newspaper reported that headteacher Vicky Lloyd and other members of staff later came to help with the clear-up.

A JustGiving page has also been set up and has raised more than £20,000 in a matter of hours.

Brian Norris, secretary of the club, wrote: "Market Deeping Model Railway Club needs your help to rebuild.

(Image: mdmrc.org) (Image: mdmrc.org)

"We have held our annual show in Stamford for the last 12 years. Months of planning goes into the show and years of work goes into building the layout.

"Imagine our horror and grief when we were greeted by this scene of absolute devastation on the morning of 18th May 2019.

"Some of the models on display are irreplaceable and whilst money cannot possibly replace the hours of painstaking effort that has been so wantonly destroyed, we would ask that you make a donation, no matter how small, to help us get back on our feet. Please accept our thanks in advance."

Lincolnshire Police confirmed the arrests in a statement on Saturday.

(Image: mdmrc.org) (Image: mdmrc.org)

It said: "About 3.50am today we were alerted by a local resident that noises had been heard coming from Queen Eleanor School in Stamford and a short time later whilst we were on our way to the call, the alarm at the school activated.

"Four youths were arrested for burglary and criminal damage and they are in custody at Grantham.

"We are continuing our investigation and confirm damage was done to model railway exhibits which had been set up in the school for a display today."

Police later said on Sunday that the four youths had been released on conditional police bail pending further inquiries.