A SOLDIER statue installed in a town centre to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War has been vandalised.

The 'silent soldier' silhouette was added to the war memorial in Spennymoor by Spennymoor Town Council, along with others in the area.

But just over a week ago, the end of the soldier's gun was snapped off and his head bent in an attempt to break it.

The council has reported it to police, who are looking for CCTV of the incident.

Town clerk Katherine Hierons said the council hope to buy a replacement, from the Royal British Legion, or see what repairs can be done as soon as possible.

She added: "It is really disappointing, especially approaching the 75th anniversary of D-Day that some people have shown such a lack of respect to those who gave or were prepared to give their lives for the country."