POLICE are appealing for help in tracking down those responsible for the apparently racially aggravated defacing of a visitor board at the entrance to Skipton Castle Woods.

Visitors to the ancient woodland, which is widely considered one of the town's greatest assets, were shocked to see the face of one of the people pictured on the board scratched out.

The Woodland Trust, which manages the ancient woodland, just off Skipton High Street, said it was horrified and dismayed by the vandalism and that it would be replacing the signboard as soon as possible.

Sergeant Paul Evans of Skipton Police described the damage as 'mindless vandalism and ignorance'.

"We are obviously dismayed that damage is caused to these boards, and will take firm action against anyone found to be responsible," he said.

"Hate crimes will be fully investigated as they undermine the positive community cohesion we have in Craven."

Hazel Birdsall, the Woodland Trust’s visitor experience officer at Skipton Castle Woods, said: “We are investigating following unacceptable damage to a sign at Skipton Castle Woods, the nature of which points to it being racially motivated which is worrying and cannot be tolerated. Skipton Castle Woods is free and open for all responsible visitors to enjoy, regardless of their background.”

Willow sculptures were recently installed at the woodland, which is visited by thousands of adults and children every year.

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on the non emergency 101 number.