A SAND sculptor wants to see the 'successful conviction of scumbags' after one of Weymouth's oldest star attractions was badly vandalised over the weekend.

Sand sculptures on Weymouth seafront of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, were defaced and a giant castle damaged after vandals tore through the protective netting.

Mark Anderson, from Weymouth, who runs Sculptures in Sand said he is devastated by the damage, which isn't the first time vandals have broken into the attraction.

Mr Anderson said: "The police have given me information. They have images of people around that time and they are working on getting close ups."

It is believed the sculptures were vandalised some time between 4am and 5am on Saturday, August 20.

Mr Anderson said: "They have jumped in and damaged the netting which protects the sculptures. They had ripped the sides and cut down the middle."

The damage to the netting will cost hundreds of pounds – but the commercial damage done is 'thousands'.

Mr Anderson said: "It's four weeks work and commercially thousands - but it's done at the last time of the season and it's devastating.

"My CCTV unfortunately had stopped working a while ago.

"There's a £500 reward leading to the successful conviction of the scumbags."

A third sculpture, of a soldier and 'Lest we Forget' engraved beneath was left untouched.

Mr Anderson added: "I'm just very disappointed for the visitors. I had finished the castle and was starting work on the Frozen characters."

The sand sculpture tradition at Weymouth Beach dates back to Victorian times.

Mr Anderson was an apprentice under his grandfather – sand sculptor Fred Darrington.

Mr Darrington's sculptures amazed onlookers for 70 years and Mr Anderson has continued the tradition since 1988.

Anyone with information should contact the police. 

*It was originally reported the vandalism was believed to have occured on Sunday, August 21 but this has since been corrected with confirmation it was Saturday, August 20.