A ROW of cherry trees planted across Harrogate Stray to replace 28 cut down only months ago by vandals have been pulled out of the ground in a fresh attack.

Fifteen of the trees were attacked early on Saturday morning.

Tougher stakes and the use of maturing young trees prevented the replacement trees from being snapped.

Only hours after the incidents, nearby residents saw workers digging the trees back into the ground.

The trees were alongside the footpath known locally as Cherry Tree Walk, which links Leeds Road with York Place.

Harrogate Borough Council had replaced the trees following an attack in January, in which saplings were left snapped and badly damaged, causing an outcry in the town.

Alan Taylor, the council's principal parks officer, said they had moved swiftly to repair the damage.

Three workers were called in to replant the trees following the latest attack.

Mr Taylor said it was disappointing that the latest vandalism had taken place.