FOUR trees planted by school children have been dug up by thieves in Jaywick.

The apple, pear and plum trees were taken from a community orchard in Lotus Way between Thursday afternoon and Friday afternoon.

The trees were planted by children from Frobisher Primary School and Clacton Coastal Academy.
Ward councillor Dan Casey said: “It is such a shame that a few people have spoiled this for many.

“So much good work has been done at the orchard by local people and school children.”

Jaywick Community Forum created the Lotus Way play area and orchard on a patch of overgrown wasteland between Lotus Way and Brooklands Gardens.

The project cost about £80,000 and saw 54 fruit trees planted to give residents a beauty spot in the village.

Last year it was targeted by vandals who pulled out seven trees.