VANDALS attacked Birchington's Christmas tree just one day after its lights were turned on.

The 28-foot fir was decorated with lights on Wednesday and switched on for the villagers to enjoy. Yet only hours later the lights around the base were smashed, causing damage estimated at more than £200.

Cllr Martin Wise, Thanet council cabinet member for resources, said: "These mindless thugs are causing reckless damage which not only causes thousands of pounds worth of damage but also upsets the local community.

“Every year the council has to repair the damage - but how do we stop it? We will not be forced into removing trees from their traditional sites but our funds are not limitless.

“We need to find a solution with benefits for the long term. There should be no hiding place for people who commit acts of selfishness against the community like this. We need local people and businesses to keep an eye open and report anyone they see vandalising the trees and decorations."

Thanet council provides Christmas trees in Ramsgate, Broadstairs, Margate, Westgate and Birchington.