Christmas display damaged by people climbing it

Extra protection could be brought in for a Christmas lights display after a tree was damaged by people climbing on it, a council has said.

CCTV video shared on social media showed two women scaling spiral metal tree frames along the Bay of Lights Illumination Trail on the Torquay harbourside, in Devon, in the early hours of Sunday, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Torbay Council said their actions had been "dangerous, costly to repair and spoils the experience for others".

It said the frame of the tree had been was damaged and some lights had to be replaced so additional barriers and security would be considered.

The video showed a woman scaling the low fence around the tree and climbing about 6m (20ft) to the top, where she waved a decorative star to her friends, one of whom was filming her on a mobile phone.

Another woman then climbed the tree to join her friend.

Torbay Council said: "The 1.5-mile accessible route features stunning light installations designed to be admired - not climbed, touched or played on.

"Creating this event takes a great deal of time, effort, and resources to make it special for you and our visitors.

"Please respect the installations and report any damage or vandalism to the police."

The Christmas trail, which features a series of illuminated features including a decorated Christmas tree, runs between Torre Abbey and the harbour.

Last year the Christmas trail was vandalised and lights were broken in what councillor David Thomas had called an act of "mindless behaviour".

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