FOR the second time in a week, lights symbolising 'absent friends' were vandalised on a Christmas tree in the shadow of Hereford Cathedral.

After city fire fighters had painstakingly redressed the 30ft tree following the first attack, the yobs returned last Thursday to repeat the sickening stunt.

Fearing further wreckage before Sunday's poignant 'Light a Life' service, event organisers from St Michael's Hospice have decided to keep some of the 1,500 lights off the tree until the last minute.

"It is really disgusting because each light that was ripped off has been sponsored to represent a loved one who is missing at this special time of the year," said co-ordinator Lyn Gummer. "The fire service and Melcon Electronics have been brilliant and have already decorated the tree twice, but we are worried that, if they get to work again before the weekend, the lights will be pulled off before Sunday's ceremony."

After originally dressing the tree, Red Watch and Melcon electricians were frantically called back to Cathedral Close last Wednesday to restore the decorations for the official turning on of the lights service.

And last Friday morning, the lights were found strewn across the floor for the second time jeopardising the weekend's emotional charity reading.

The 'Light up a Life' service is at the Cathedral on Sunday at 3.30pm.