WITHIN hours of thousands of people flocking to the town centre to enjoy the Christmas Extravaganza, vandals struck and damaged lights.

Northwich went all out to make this year's Christmas lights switch on event the biggest one in its history and it was a hailed as a roaring success.

However, the Christmas tree located by the town's library, which has spectacular rainbow coloured lights to match those on the tree in Barons Quay were deliberately damaged.

A spokesman for Northwich Town Council said: "It’s less than 24 hours since our Christmas lights were turned on, at an event attended by thousands of families and delivered through the hard work put in by the teams at Northwich Town Council & Northwich BID.

"Yet, just this morning (Sunday) we find that the lights on our Brunner Court Christmas tree have been damaged, lights which are brand new.

"These lights were purposely purchased to match Barons Quay and provide a key attraction to the top of the town centre.

"CCTV is currently being reviewed, we will not let this go - our town is full of great people, the minority will not be allowed to spoil it for you."

Northwich Guardian: Guardian Camera Club member Andrew Gardner captured this stunning image of the Christmas lights in Northwich

Camera Club member Andrew Gardner took this photo of the Christmas tree

Northwich town mayor, Cllr Sam Naylor said he wants to nip the problem in the bud as soon as possible.

"There are a small hardcore group of teenagers who are causing problems around the town centre," he said.

"Chris Shaw (Town Clerk) and myself have asked for a meeting with the police.

"They've been very responsive and are going to meet with us to see what we can do about this mindless vandalism.

"We just want nip it in the bud.

"When you consider the number of people that were in town on Saturday, the overwhelming majority really enjoyed themselves and the police did a great job."