Southill has replanted its Christmas tree after the first one was stolen – and warned thieves: ‘Hands off.’ The community was outraged when the original tree planted at Southill Green in Weymouth was ripped out and stolen within 24 hours of being planted.

Thieves took the 5ft tree and left in its place an envelope with a pine needle enclosed and the message: ‘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 Southill Preservation Society had hoped it would grow over the years and create a lasting legacy for generations to come. Trinity Trees donated a new potted tree for Christmas but it was only a temporary solution for the festive period until a new rooted tree could be planted.

Preservation society chairman Ian Brooke has now planted a new 6ft tree, also donated by Pete Hyde at Trinity Trees.

Mr Brooke said: “It will hopefully be twice as big this time next year and keep on growing for future generations so that all the kids in Southill can enjoy it.

“It’s possible the thieves will come back but now that Christmas has passed I don’t think the attention will be on it.”

Mr Brooke has a message for anyone thinking of uprooting it again.

“Grow up,” he said. “It’s not yours – it belongs to all of us.”

The society hopes the tree will be around 12ft by Christmas and local children will be able to bring their own decorations for it.

“The whole idea is to give the children something that is theirs,” said Mr Brooke.

The preservation society is now looking to develop more community initiatives, including working to get the grassed area at Southill shopping precinct designated as a village green. He said: “We want the land where the tree is planted to be designated a village green and to keep that piece of land in perpetuity for community use.”

He added: “We want to set up Pact (Partners and Communities Together) meetings with the councillors, police and anyone else who has an interest in the village.”