VANDALS who targeted fund-raising Christmas decorations in Ledbury came back to knock on the door and make a fulsome and generous apology.

Yvonne White, the owner of the colourful display outside her home in Bye Street, has accepted the apology and also the cash donation the youths offered, towards her good causes.

She said the matter was now closed.

Mrs White, a former Ledbury retailer said: "The ones who did it came back to apologise, and they were very sincere and gave a very generous amount.

"They said that drink had got the better of them. They were really nice lads. Only one of out of three did the damage, but they accepted that it reflected on all of them."

Mrs White added: "There are apologies and there are very sincere apologies, and this was very sincere."

Mrs White said the incident, which took place in the early hours of December 21, and which led to the partial destruction of the display, was no longer a police matter.

The Reporter understands that the youths involved are university students, and they are local.

Mrs White put up the decorations this year to raise funds through donations for Ledbury Swifts and Ledbury Town Football Club.

In total, £351 was raised, and this money will be divided between the two football clubs, which £175.50 going to each one.