Vandals have struck in Downderry, and damaged the memorial gardens in the village.

Residents woke on Saturday morning to discover that plants in the garden had been ripped and broken - with the damaged vegetation left strewn on the ground.

One resident, living near to the gardens, described the vandalism, which happened around 10pm Friday, as a 'step too far'. Mr Whittingham found the garden in a mess when he awoke on Saturday - his own garden backing onto it.

Another local resident who takes a regular morning walk through the Caradon-council owned gardens, said she was especially distressed by the damage to the trees.

Nearly every tree in the garden had had its branches broken down. She said: 'They are mature trees that have taken a long time to grow. It will now be a long time before they recover.'

A shelter in the garden has been under constant attack from vandals in the past. It has now been renovated, but its seat has been permanently taken out to prevent more problems through people constantly congregating there.

Chairman of the parish council, and former local district councillor Ron Daniels said that the local community try very hard to keep the gardens clean and tidy, and also ensure that the shelter itself is kept clean.

He said: 'This is very, very disappointing. The damage is widespread.' He added that he realised that there were a large number of good youngsters around the village, but said those responsible for the damage couldn't be described like that.

The matter will be reported to the Deviock parish council at its next meeting, at which recommendations are likely to be made.