Comedian Joe Lycett has backed a bid to replace go-karts wrecked by vandals at a Dudley play area – as donations raced towards £1,000 in just a couple of days.

Staff at the Dudley Council-owned Sycamore Adventure Centre launched an appeal for £3,000 to replace the popular go-karts, many of which were left beyond repair after vandals scaled the fence over the weekend. 

Joe made an anonymous cash donation after being impressed by the facilities during a visit for Comic Relief last month. The Brummie comic, who has appeared on TV in the likes of Live At The Apollo, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and The Royal Variety Show, has urged others to do the same on Twitter.

He said: “I visited Sycamore Adventure just last month as part of my involvement in Comic Relief and had the great pleasure of trying out one of the go-karts with the lovely team.

“They are proper sturdy karts so whoever decided to smash them up must have done it with some conviction, without a thought for the children and young people who won't be able to enjoy them any longer.

“If you can, donate, and if you've got kids, go along - I know the amazing team won't have their high spirits dampened for too long and much fun will continue to be had their terrific centre.”

Keith Rogers, play centre manager, added:

“Obviously it was gutting to come in on Monday and see the mindless vandalism of the go-karts that had occurred over the weekend. But the response from the public since then has been incredible - it really does restore your faith in humanity.

“It was great to welcome Joe here last month and we are delighted he has publicly backed us with a donation. We would like to thank him, as well as everyone else who has got behind us.”

A JustGiving page has been set up by Nicole Bashford, one of the staff members at Sycamore, appealing for donations to help replace the go-karts.

Police have been informed of the vandalism and are investigating. Anyone with information is urged to call officers at West Midlands Police on the non-emergency 101 number.

Sycamore Adventure Centre has been open since 2010 offering free public play sessions for youngsters of all ages and backgrounds. It is also used by schools for visits, private children’s parties and for training and team building for adults.