MONEY has been found to ensure a town has Christmas lights this year after attacks by vandals.

Last year was the first time in 20 years that Loftus, near Saltburn, had a Christmas tree and lights.

But within 48 hours of the £1,000 lights being put up, two thirds had been pulled down and broken by vandals.

Loftus Town Council clerk Alison Atkinson said: "We had gone for plastic globes, which were supposed to be unbreakable, but obviously they are not if they are jumped up and down on."

This year, police have mentioned the importance of the lights during school visits to encourage youngsters to take care of them, and the council has bought an additional 50 lights with security screws.