VANDALS smashed a set of Christmas tree lights less than 24 after they were installed by Pershore Town Council.

Mayoress Val Wood said she hoped the culprit would step forward and pay for them to be replaced.

The lights were placed on the tree by the Town Hall on Tuesday and the damage was discovered on the following day.

Councillor Wood said: "The lights are there for everybody in the town to enjoy. I can not understand why anyone would do this, perhaps they need help or counselling."

She added that it would be a nice gesture if the person responsible posted the £20 cost of the lights through the Town Hall letterbox.