TWO new pear trees were broken and vandalised beyond repair – less than 24 hours after they had been planted.

Newbury Town Council's joint venture with West Berkshire Council has seen 39 trees planted across the area.

Councillors were saddened to learn that two of the trees on Gaywood Drive, Newbury, were ruined almost immediately.

The town council is paying for the trees out a community infrastructure fund, collected from developers.

Councillor Adrian Edwards, leader of the council, said: "Planting trees is a precious gift from us to future generations and this vandalism is such a disappointment.

"The trees did not stand a chance having been broken off at the base.

"I would urge anyone with any information who may have done this to contact the police.”

If anyone has any information, call police on 101, quoting the reference 'DP-3416-19-4343-00'.