Cash is being raised to rebuild a memorial bench that was smashed by vandals in a Beckenham Park.

The carved oak bench was put in Kelsey Park to honour the memory of Roger Hardy who died aged 67 in 2012.

It was pulled from its fittings and damaged sometime between Saturday October 15 and Sunday October 16.

Emma Toovey, 31, of the Glade, Bickley decided to start a Just Giving page when she heard from her daughter about the incident.

Ms Toovey’s daughter is tutored by Mr Hardy’s daughter.

Ms Toovey said: “It’s just disgusting. I saw it and thought why? What joy would someone get from just trashing something?

“When my daughter came home she asked why the bench had been smashed. What do you tell a 10-year-old?”

A post on social media of the bench got lots of comments, and in some posts, people were asking to donate money.

Ms Toovey messaged Roger Hardy’s daughter and asked if she could start a Just Giving page.

She said: “I like to raise money for things, I’m a bit of a helper.”

Mr Hardy’s daughter agreed and the page has raised £475 so far. The goal for the campaign is to raise £1,000.

Ms Toovey said: “Last night when I went to bed it was on like £100.”

“It amazes every time how the community can get together.

“When a bad thing happens something good always comes of it and it restores your faith in humanity a bit.”

The money raised will be going to the Friends of Kelsey Park who are planning on fixing the bench.