VANDALS cut down 400 newly planted saplings at West Arrathorne, Hunton near Bedale. North Yorkshire Police say the saplings were cut sometime between Wednesday, March 13 and Thursday, March 14. A spokesman said the trees had been planted as a windbreak and were not easily seen from footpaths and bridleways. They are appealing for anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area at the time or leading up to it to contact Bedale police on 101.

SEVEN people were arrested after fighting broke out between rival football fans when trouble flared before York City’s 2-0 home defeat to Port Vale. Sixteen teenagers were also barred from the city centre for six hours. Police said no one was injured and blamed a shockingly behaved minority for the trouble. Suspects were later released on police bail.