Appeal after Christmas tree '˜goes missing'

An action group is appealing for anybody who knows what happened to the tree at Smawthorne Park in Castleford to come forward.

Pupils from Henry Moore and Half Acres schools helped plant the tree, which was to be a venue for carol singing and festive celebrations each Christmas.

It was paid for with fundraising by Smawthorne Welfare Action Team (SWAT)

Jackie Wilson, treasurer of the group, said the tree appeared to have been uprooted at the park of Smawthorne Lane.

Mrs Wilson said: “It’s gone missing. We feel really sad about it.

“Children from Half Acres and Henry Moore schools helped us plant it.

“We were going to invite them back every year to watch its progress.

“It’s really disappointing. The tree was really thriving.

“We are hoping that somebody will come forward and tell us what happened to it.

“It was paid for out of our community fund so it’s the community’s money.

“Now we are going to have to replace the tree.”

SWAT can be contacted through the group’s Facebook page.