A BUSINESSMAN has offered a £500 reward after 27 newly-planted cherry trees were vandalised in one of North Yorkshire's best known areas.

People walking across The Stray, Harrogate's 200-acre grassland, could not believe the widespread damage caused at the weekend.

Businessman Guy Tweedy, 42, whose home overlooks York Place Stray, said: "We must catch the people responsible for this. The damage they have caused is just unbelievable.

"When I looked out, at first I thought just a few trees had been damaged until I investigated further. The damage stretches right across The Stray.

"I feel upset and disgusted about what has happened, which is why I have offered the reward, which will be paid on conviction of the culprits."

The trees affected run alongside a footpath across The Stray from York Place to Leeds Road, known as Milton Way.

They had replaced diseased and ailing trees to maintain Cherry Tree Walk, which has been featured in guide books and postcards.

Councillor Pat Jones, who represents the Stray ward on the borough council, said: "I just cannot believe this has happened.

"It is absolutely terrible and so heartbreaking. I am absolutely livid that work which has cost hundreds of pounds has been destroyed. I was just horrified."

She said it had been difficult to source the type of tree needed to fill the gaps.