A REWARD to find the vandals who destroyed a much-loved avenue of cherry trees has been trebled.

Vandals destroyed Harrogate's renowned Cherry Tree Walk only four weeks after many of the trees were laboriously replanted.

And local people are so angry about the attack that the original reward of £500 for the arrest of those responsible has been increased to £1,500.

Businessmen Paul Whiers and Guy Tweedy have posted the reward in the hope of securing a quick court hearing - and are also offering to contribute towards the replacement of the trees.

Cherry Tree Walk runs across the Stray in Harrogate and 100 trees were originally planted in 1953 to mark the Queen's coronation.

Each spring, the avenue is covered in a swathe of pink blossom, which has given pleasure to many thousands of people for more than half a century, as well as featuring on postcards and local guides.

Many of the original trees had to be removed because they had become diseased or had come to the end of their natural life.

Thirty replacement trees were planted last month to ensure the popular walk continued to thrive.

But in the attack over the weekend, 28 of the new trees were torn down. Hours of closed circuit television footage are now being examined to try to identify the culprits.

The local council's cabinet member for leisure and amenities, Pat Jones, said yesterday: "I am absolutely heartbroken. How could they do this?

"They were planted for just four weeks before these criminals - and that is what they are, they are not mere vandals - have mindlessly snapped them off."

Anyone who can help can call police on 0845 606 0247 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.