DAVID Sykes's tribute to the late Diana, Princess of Wales, was simple and unobtrusive. He placed pictures and plates of her in the window of his York home.

Mr Sykes assembled his shrine because he had been deeply touched by a brief meeting with her in York. It did no one any harm, and brought comfort to others who thanked him for keeping her memory alive.

Now vandals have destroyed his display, during the weekend that would have marked Diana's 40th birthday. Their mindless actions are in direct contrast to the caring attitude personified by the princess and commemorated by Mr Sykes.

Updated: 10:29 Monday, July 02, 2001