TWENTY-EIGHT cherry trees hacked down by vandals across the Harrogate Stray have been replaced.

Residents of the area paid for 20 trees themselves, such was their outrage at the midnight attack.

Replacement of the trees cost almost £4,000, but Councillor Pat Jones, the borough council's leisure service cabinet member, pledged the vandals would not be allowed to win.

North Yorkshire Police are continuing inquiries into the vandalism on Cherry Tree Walk, the famous walkway featured on postcards and guide books.

Police are linking the Stray vandalism to attacks on garden plant pots in the Leeds Road area.

Residents were quick to voice their anger at the destruction of the trees just four weeks after they had been planted in December.

The original 100 cherry trees were planted on what is officially called Milton Way to mark the Queen's coronation in 1953.

"We replaced the trees as promised, to ensure this very popular walkway will remain a pleasure for generations to come," said Councillor Jones.

She thanked two local businessmen, Paul Whiers and Guy Tweedy, who quickly stepped in to sponsor replacement of 12 trees. Meanwhile, other trees were paid for by what Coun Jones described as "generously spirited residents."

Coun Jones, who has also sponsored a tree, will meet other donors to see the newly-planted trees in place today, at 2.15pm, near Station Parade.