VANDALS have forced ex-servicemen in Bromsgrove to move a memorial plaque and tree to a more secure place in Sanders Park.

Bromsgrove Rotary Club wants to plant a new oak tree next to the Millennium stone in memory of the fallen who died fighting for their country during the 20th century.

But before they can do that, the stone is likely to be shifted to a spot under the watchful eye of CCTV cameras on the park buildings.

"The old tree has been cut down by vandals," said the club's Geoffrey Neal, an 81-year-old ex-member of the Northumberland Fusiliers.

"Many of our members are ex-servicemen and we felt a new one would be a good use of our funds. It's an oak and we hope it will last for a long time."

June Wildman, secretary of the welfare department of the Royal British Legion in Bromsgrove, said they had been in touch with the district council about moving the stone.

"We want to put it where people can see it and keep an eye on it," she said.

Rob Heard, the council's parks and recreation development manager, said they would be holding discussions with the ex-servicemen's associations who donated the stone to come up with a new site.

"I can understand why they want it moved," he said. "We just have to be careful where we put it, particularly with the oak tree."

The stone is expected to be in its new place before the tree planting ceremony on October 19.