Vandals have stolen Christmas decorations made by schoolchildren from the town centre Christmas tree.

Some 300 baubles were hanging on the tree when it was unveiled in front of 2,000 people last month.

But within weeks nearly all of them were ripped off or stolen. Lights were also damaged and went missing.

The council believe the tree has been targeted late at night, possibly by troublemakers after pubs and clubs in the area have closed.

Many of the baubles went missing wihtin days of the tree being put up, with replacement baubles also stolen.

The police have been informed.

Martin Furtauer-Hayes, Sutton Town Centre Manager said the stolen baubles had made the Christmas tree look a "disgrace".

He said: "Christmas is such an important time for our high street so to say I was disappointed would be an understatement.

Luckily the contractors, paid for by local businesses, agreed to replace the baubles, as well as some lighting that had been deliberately damaged, free of charge."

Councillor Jayne McCoy, executive member for economic development at Sutton Council, said: “It’s disappointing that so many baubles seem to have been pinched, especially as they were decorated by local children."

New lights were added to the tree this week, by contractor Gala Lights.

Coun McCoy said: “Times are tough for businesses across the country but there’s been a brilliant sense of community in the town centre this Christmas. Businesses contributed towards the decorations and we’re really pleased that the contractors have agreed to replace the tree decorations free of charge.

“Last Saturday was our busiest day of the year, with thousands visiting the town centre to shop and enjoy the street entertainers, and I hope people will be back in force to admire the tree and continue their Christmas shopping this weekend.”