A 13-year-old Melksham teenager who set fire to a picnic bench and table at King George V playing field in May has been ordered to pay £3,865.31 compensation.

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to a charge of arson at the Wiltshire Youth Court in Salisbury on Tuesday (July 13).

He was told to pay compensation of £3,865.31 to Melksham Town Council and was given a nine-month youth referral order.

The court ordered the compensation to be paid at the rate of £160 a month beginning in August.

The court was told the youth set fire to a picnic bench and table at King George V playing field on May 30 during the May bank holiday celebrations.

The arson attack completely destroyed the bench and partially damaged a waste bin and plastic soffits, guttering and fascias valued at £2,000 on the Cricket Pavilion owned by Melksham Town Council.

Last month, the town council thanked a Melksham man who sprang into action to drag the burning picnic bench away from the Cricket Pavilion during the fire.

Town clerk Linda Roberts presented Verincianu Ovidiu with a gift certificate for dragging the burning picnic table away from the nearby pavilion to prevent what could have been catastrophic damage.

Police and fire service officers also praised youngsters who immediately called the emergency services after seeing the arson attack.