A GWENT village's Christmas 20ft tree was up for just hours when vandals sawed it down.

Christine Meader, 32, from Main Road, Maesycwmmer, said her daughter Phebe , six, who has cerebral palsy, was reduced to tears after yobs sawed down the tree on Sunday morning only hours after it had decorated with Christmas lights. The tree stood outside the family's home.

Mrs Meader said: "We heard a big thud on Sunday morning and on investigating we found that the tree had been cut in half."

The tree was near Main Road, on the road to Pontllanfraith.

Mrs Meader added: "Phebe was very upset and cried when she found out. She enjoyed sitting in the window and looking at the tree and Christmas is very special for her."

Yesterday Caerphilly council workers were trying to put the matter right.