ORGANISERS of the Trowbridge Nativity Trail have condemned vandals who have wrecked posters and displays at some of the 14 venues taking part and have stolen some of the items.

Nativity characters have been damaged in some of the displays and floodlights, electrical plugs and items from their costumes stolen.

Geoff and Harriet Heard have coordinated the trail for Trowbridge Area Churches Together to present the real meaning of Christmas.

The trail is taking place until Sunday, December 27 and is supported by nine of its member churches in Trowbridge. The displays are all around Trowbridge.

Children and parents are able to visit 14 venues, including John of Gaunt School, Sainsbury’s, the Tesco Extra store in County Way and County Hall, each of which has a display, together with the relevant part of the Christian nativity story on a laminated poster.

Mr Heard said: “Sadly a number of the scenes have been vandalised over each of the nights since they were put up on Saturday. I have been repairing them as quickly as I can, but fear it seems to be a losing battle.”

He says various items have been stolen from the displays, including one of the trail signs and floodlights.

Various characters have been broken and their heads stolen, and angels on strings made by children at St John’s Primary School have been pulled down.

In addition, characters of Kings at the Tesco Extra store have had their crowns stolen and the accompanying cardboard camel has had to be 'put down'.

Mr Heard said a locked toolbox was also damaged to gain access to the plugs and remove them.

He added: “I've now removed the floodlight at Holy Trinity for fear of suffering the same fate.”

The trail is taking place until Sunday, December 27 and is supported by nine of its member churches in Trowbridge. The displays are all around Trowbridge.

Children and parents are able to visit 14 venues, including John of Gaunt School, Sainsbury’s, the Tesco Extra store in County Way and County Hall, each of which has a display, together with the relevant part of the Christian nativity story on a laminated poster.