THE launch of Tadcaster in Bloom has been tainted after vandals broke a centrepiece sculpture within 24 hours of its arrival.

A 6ft-high metal doe, which is accompanied by a stag, had been put on display at Glenn Goodman Corner, at the junction of Wetherby Road and Station Road, to welcome judges from Yorkshire in Bloom today.

The vandals ripped an ear off the doe.

The pair, nicknamed Noah and Nelly, were donated to the town by local businesses.

They were made in southern Africa from recycled oil drums, unwanted cars and cast-offs from the metal industries, making them extremely environmentally friendly.

Tadcaster in Bloom chairman, Coun Richard Sweeting, said: "It's very sad that this has happened and if anyone saw anything I would urge them to come forward and tell us.

"They have been provided at no charge to the community and will provide pleasure to everyone.

"I'm proud as punch to be taking the judges around our town and I'm not going to let this mindless vandalism spoil the day."

Russell Tinker, of Commercial Services Tadcaster, has offered to repair the damaged sculpture.

Coun Sweeting said he was especially pleased to have the support of so many groups in Tadcaster for their latest bid to win the Britain in Bloom competition.

The town was a regional winner of Yorkshire in Bloom in 1999 and a national finalist of Britain in Bloom in 2000.

Updated: 11:09 Tuesday, April 08, 2003