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'Huge upset' has been caused in a County Durham village after a Christmas tree, which had stood in the village for more than 10 years, was illegally chopped down. The tree was felled just hours after its Christmas lights were switched on and two men have since been arrested, police have said.

The tree, which stood in the village of Shotton Colliery, in County Durham, was felled sometime between 10pm and 11pm on Wednesday night. Shotton Residents Association chairman Steve Maitland further told the BBC Radio Tees on Friday the tree had first been put up as a memorial for First World War soldiers.

A 26-year-old man has since been arrested and is in the process of being charged with criminal damage, the Peterlee Neighbourhood Policing Team said on Friday. A second man, 23

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