CHILDREN were delighted when a new Christmas tree was donated in place of one stolen from their community green.

They watched Pete Hyde of Trinity Trees place the 14ft tree on the grass at the Southill shopping precinct in Weymouth.

He stepped in to save the day after a thief stole the previous 5ft tree less than 24 hours after it was planted.

Debby Rose, who is joint secretary of the Southill Preservation Society with Lindsay Drage, said: “Our great thanks go to Pete.

“He really saved the day. Everybody in Southill is pleased about it.

“It’s really great to have a tree back, especially for the children.”

The first tree was planted on the Southill Green last Friday afternoon but it was gone by 4.30am the next morning.

The thieves left an envelope with a pine needle enclosed and writing on the reverse.

It read: ‘This tree is rubbish. Any danger of a bigger one? Cheers’. It was signed by a name which looked like ‘Hoj’ followed by several kisses.

The stolen tree was donated to the community by the owner of the Balti House restaurant in Commercial Road, Shalim Abdul, who lives in Southill.

Mr Hyde donated the replacement tree free of charge as he said it wouldn’t seem right to charge them for it.

The tree is potted and does not have roots so it will go after the New Year.

But Mr Hyde also gave Southill a 6ft rooted tree which will be planted later on and left to grow for future generations to enjoy and decorate.

Anyone with information about the theft is urged to contact Dorset Police on 01202 222222.