VANDALS have stolen a banner advertising this year's Rotary Club Tree of Light event in Evesham.

The 10ft x 2ft banner was attached to the railway railings at the bottom of Greenhill last Tuesday morning, but by Tuesday afternoon it had gone.

Rotary Club member, Glenn Webb said: "The thought that someone could steal such a thing advertising an event that means so much to bereaved people is absolutely awful. I hope there's been a mistake and someone will return it, but we have been trying to find out who took our banner for a week with no luck." Mr Webb said he had contacted staff at the town hall, the railway authorities and the local police, who have no idea what has happened to it. He said that despite the club purchasing the banner at a half price cost of £100, they would not be getting a replacement.

Evesham town clerk, Frank Green said: "I have tried the people who have authority to remove such banners but they have assured me they have not touched it."