The mystery of a missing Christmas tree from a village square has been solved after a cleaner saved it from vandals.

Last weekend the Larkfield Community Group announced their 5ft tree donated by Rapport Housing had been stolen from Martin Square.

It had been planted for those living in assisted living accommodation in Lawson House but went missing on Sunday, November 4.

However, the tree has been saved and returned ahead of the big Christmas lights switch on event next weekend.

Jackie Hirsch, chairman of the community group, said: "I had a message from a guy who is a cleaner at Morrisons.

"He was going into work for a morning shift at around 4am on Monday and he found the tree thrown against a window with mud all over it.

"I assume it was vandals who picked it up and threw it about.

"The manager said to throw it away but the cleaner thought it was a nice tree so he took it home and put it in a pot."

The cleaner had seen the news of the missing tree on social media and sent a message to Jackie in an attempt to reunite her with it.

"He saw on Facebook that it had been taken and realised what had happened..." - Jackie Hirsch, Larkfield Community Group

She added: "He saw on Facebook that it had been taken and realised what had happened.

"He messaged me and I went over to get it from him.

"I met with Rapport Housing and we decided it was best to leave it in a pot and put it in the ground on the day of the ceremony.

"Lawson House would then look after it until we get a cage to make it secure."

Martin Square's Christmas lights switch on will be attended by the chief executive of Rapport Housing Leon Steer and the first person to move into Lawson House.

The event takes place on Saturday, November 17, and begins at 3pm.