Thoughtless vandals have targeted a Christmas tree dedicated to inspirational teenager Stephen Sutton in his home town.

People in Burntwood, Staffordshire, have been left heartbroken after ribbons tied to the tree were ripped off and scattered along the street, reports the Express and Star.

The lights on the tree were lit by Stephen’s mum Jane at a ceremony attended by around 400 people on Sunday.

“I am absolutely gutted, I have been in tears,” Joanne Jarvis, who coordinated a team of volunteers to tie ribbons to the tree, told the newspaper.

“How could anyone be so disrespectful? We had hoped it was the wind but we now know for certain they were pulled off deliberately.”

A council spokesman said CCTV will now be reviewed to find those responsible and added a tall fence may have to be put up round the tree to stop any more vandalism.

He added the tree has been vandalised in previous years but it had been hoped that because the tree was in Stephen’s honour, it might be treated with more respect.

Stephen received much media coverage this year during the final few months of his cancer battle, during which he raised £3 million for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

The brave teen, known for his thumbs up stance – and positive attitude, died in May, but his incredible story helped his fundraising for the charity surpass £5 million posthumously.

The 19-year-old received several awards including a posthumous MBE, which was presented to his mum by the Queen last month.

The event in his home town last Sunday raised a further £1,500 for the Teenage Cancer Trust.