VANDALS destroyed Christmas lights and decorations put up in Thornaby and Billingham town centres, on Teesside.
Hundreds of bulbs have been smashed, threatening festive displays in both towns - not long after they were switched on.
Staff from Stockton Borough Council have now replaced bulbs and moved the decorations out of reach of potential vandals.
Councillor Geoff Field, the council's cabinet member for the environment, said: "It is such a shame that a minority ruins it for everyone else.
"Most people enjoy the Christmas lights and decorations we put up every year as they create a wonderful festive spirit to the town centres.
The council is working with Cleveland Police and covert surveillance is being carried out in both towns.
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