CHRISTMAS lights in Westbury were on for just two hours before vandals sent them plunging into darkness.

Heartless vandals caused hundreds of pounds of damage by destroying the lights control unit, only hours after the lights went on.

Hundreds of people lined the streets on Friday, November 1, to watch the lights being switched on.

Children from Westbury Infants School led the celebrations by performing a host of Christmas carols, but their goodwill was soon shattered when vandals blacked out the festive illuminations.

Town council clerk Les Fry said he was disgusted by the incident.

He said: "I feel so annoyed by what happened. It has caused £300 of damage.

"People immediately blame the council or the contractors but the vandals had totally destroyed the control unit.

"You just feel like you have been kicked in the teeth. It is totally unnecessary."

Meanwhile, nearly 1,000 people flocked to Melksham to watch the town's lights being switched on by British gymnastic star Shanna Murray.

A Christmas fair attracted more than 50 stalls, with donations being raised for the Christmas lights appeal.

Carol singers from the Family of Churches congregated around the town's 30ft tree, which came from Longleat Forest, as the illuminations were switched on.

Mayor Vic Oakman, who helped launch the fair, said: "It was fantastic. There were hundreds of people who turned up to give the town a really festive feeling.

"The children loved the roundabout and train ride around Melksham House.

"The only thing I was disappointed about was we were not allowed to put lights on the town bridge because it is a listed building.

"They are allowed in Bradford on Avon and it looks stunning. We will be taking up the issue."