A TREE planted to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the British Legion in Lydney has been destroyed by vandals.

The police have been informed about the mindless act of destruction in Bathurst Park and the small-leafed lime has had to be removed.

Currently all that remains of the memorial is a stone which was donated free-of-charge by Broadwell-based masons Ernest Heal.

Chairman of the Lydney branch Mr Mel Rudge said the tree would be replaced – although the cash will have to come from funds that would go to helping current and ex-service personnel and their families.

Mr Rudge said: "I was informed by Lydney Town Council that the tree planted in Bathurst Park to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the formation of the British Legion here in Lydney was vandalised over the weekend.

"What possesses these mindless idiots to destroy something that was planted in memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their freedom?

"To my mind this is a very cowardly act for a few minutes' adrenaline rush.

"This causes a great deal of anguish to all serving and ex-serving personnel in this community.

"Do these idiots realise that it costs a great deal of money to replace these items – money that has been donated to support our colleagues."

The tree was planted in July last year by Mr Rudge and the Mayor of Lydney, Cllr Bob Berryman.

Anyone with information about the crime is asked to call Gloucestershire Police on 101 quoting incident number 267 of July 6.