Yobs destroy couple's charity festive lights

Arthur and Reigna Mitchell, of Ashington Gardens, Peacehaven, were shocked when yobs pulled down 200 worth of festive decorations from the front of their bungalow.

They had hoped it would prove popular with neighbours who would donate cash for their chosen cause. The money was to be given to the children's ward at the Royal Marsden Hospital in memory of former Peacehaven Mayor Tony Howard, who died of lung cancer earlier this year.

Mrs Mitchell, 60, a Peacehaven Town Council member, said youths had been targeting her home for some time. Eggs, mud, potatoes and fireworks had been thrown at their bungalow in the past.

She said: 'We heard some kids outside and when we went out we found it had all been pulled down - there were lights, a Christmas tree and a Santa Claus. Arthur had spent the whole of the afternoon putting it up.

'I have been told they did it because I am a councillor. We get a lot of abuse shouted at us. What they call my husband you couldn't even print.'

Mr Mitchell, 67, who has completed 15 fund- raising London to Brighton bike rides for the British Heart Foundation, said his bid to raise cash for children with cancer had been shattered.

He said: 'The whole lot had been pulled down. I am not going to do it now. It was going to be for children that have got cancer, but now it has been ruined.'

He believed a group of other youngsters had stood and watched the vandals destroy his display. 'I was angry, very angry. I just shouted at the kids, "You're scum".'