The "mindless idiots" who destroyed Christmas decorations at a war memorial have failed to dampen the festive spirit in Beckenham.

Residents were furious when pictures emerged of the battered tree and reindeer at the high street roundabout.

 

Fury soon turned into action and one man who has lived there all his life gave a rallying call on the Beckenham Appreciation GGroup Facebook page.

Just hours after the vandals sparked fury, Chris Hermon and other volunteers were busy repairing the decorations.

The 51-year-old, who was keen not to take all the credit, told News Shopper: "Several people were commenting on what had happened and everyone had expressed anger, but nobody was jumping into action.

"I just decided to send out a rallying call to get people to jump into action and show that they appreciate Beckenham.

"I got down as soon as I could and fixed the damage reindeer and then Darren Widdis turned up with his son Reece and a lady called Sarah came to lend a hand."

Between them they resurrected the flag pole and the lights to make it look like the shape of a Christmas tree.

"The photos tell the story," as Chris put it himself.

ALSO: Penge residents repair poppies after being removed from war memorial

Nearby Penge had a similar experience in October when poppies were callously torn down from a war memorial less than 24 hours after being put up.

A rallying call was also made where the community came together to fix the damage.