A GROUP of dejected children have blasted vandals who set fire to their football pitch.

The kids had been planning a summer of fun at the popular astroturf facility in Cowan Park.

However, the pitch has been padlocked shut until the schools return to prevent mindless yobs from causing further damage.

This week's Barrhead News also features a story on a bride-to-be who feared she wouldn't live long enough to get married.

Caroline Easdon, 36, is now welcoming Scottish Government plans to increase organ donor levels – three years after a liver transplant saved her life.

We bring you the latest artist impressions from the Glasgow City Deal plan which will invest £44 million into East Renfrewshire.

As well as the creation of the new Barrhead South railway station, cash will be injected into a reconstruction project at Balgraystone Road to provide improved access to a country park and accommodate a new 200-home development.

Our news pages also contain a heart-warming tale of a Neilston woman's plan to take on a 45-mile cycle in aid of her nine-year-old neighbour who is battling cancer.

This week's sport section features an interview with Barrhead boxer Gary 'Razor' Rae who is preparing for an upcoming bout with Spaniard Luis Espinosa.

Get your copy of the Barrhead News today for all of this and much more.