BENARTY Events Group received a major body blow on the eve of the community gala.

The battery of 10 portable toilets needed to house the gala day, which will see up to 8,000 people at Lochore Meadows Country Park tomorrow, was attacked by vandals on Friday night who set fire to the block.

The toilets were severely damaged and this morning the Events Group were worried that the Gala might have to be cancelled.

However, thanks to the help of local business people replacements for the damaged toilets will be in place in time for the Gala to proceed.

Benarty Community Councillor, Brian Menzies, slammed the perpetrators of the blaze: "This is a huge event for the communities of Glencraig, Crosshill, Lochore and Ballingry and for these people to carry out an act like this is disgraceful.

"It is brilliant that the business people are coming to the rescue for the Events Group deserve to be able to get this outstanding community event go ahead."

The gala goes ahead tomorrow at noon.