Festive cheer in Wantage came close to being sabotaged when electrics powering lights on the town Christmas tree were tampered with.

Mayor Julia Reynolds condemned the behaviour, saying it could have ruined the Christmas festivities in the town. Organisers said although no serious damage was caused the trespassers risked being electrocuted.

The 30ft Christmas tree, in Market Place, is hung with 1,000 lights and is surrounded by fencing wrapped with tree branches. The vandals breached the barrier some time early on Sunday.

They unplugged the electricity supply from the main, took out the timer and then plugged it back in again before levering off the lid of the transformer. It was realised something was wrong on Sunday morning when the lights were still on. The electrics have since had a safety check and the system is working properly again.

Mrs Reynolds said: "This is a very sad comment on people who tried to spoil the Christmas spirit in the town.

"Their actions were no doubt fuelled by alcohol and I'm sure that when in their rational state they wouldn't consider carrying out such an act. The lights have been checked and fortunately have not been damaged. They will continue to give pleasure to the people of Wantage and visitors to the town."

She said that many people were unaware the lights were organised by a voluntary group that relied on fund raising, donations and hard work. The group had to ensure that the lights complied with a huge raft of new health and safety regulations. Displays in the town cost more than £2,000.

She said: "The Wantage displays committee has worked tirelessly this year to build up funds in order to buy the new lights and also to bring the lanterns up to current safety standards.

"I appeal to those who think it's good fun to attack our Christmas lights to stop and think about the pleasure the lights give to the community and the time and money that has been invested to ensure that we have a wonderful Christmas display."

Displays committee chairman Robin Turnbull said: "A lot of hard work from volunteers went into providing the displays and it is very demoralising when something like this happens. It could have ruined Christmas for the town and and also ruined the lives of those who broke into the compound. They could have been electrocuted.

"Fortunately no-one was hurt and there was no attempt to cause permanent damage to the lights and equipment."