Two men have been arrested after a County Durham Christmas tree was cut down in a 'disgusting act of mindless vandalism' just hours after the village's light switch-on.

The tree, which had stood in Shotton Colliery for more than 10 years, was a memorial for First World War soldiers, and was felled at about 11.20pm on Wednesday.

It is understood a 26-year-old man appeared at Newton Aycliffe magistrates court on Saturday morning charged with criminal damage. The man pleaded not guilty and was released on bail.

A second man, aged 23, was released under investigation after arrest.

Pictures taken on Friday showed CSI officers taking pictures of the tree in Shotton, with the trunk's inside visible as the specialist police team bagged evidence at the scene.

Shotton Residents' Association cha

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