Vandals who filmed themselves clambering up Falmouth’s Christmas tree and causing damage and leaving it in darkness for almost a week, have agreed to pay for the repairs.

It is thought the culprits had been drunk when they decided to scale the tree only hours after it had been put on up The Moor and just two days before it was due to be the centre piece of the town’s Christmas lights switch on last Thursday.

Their antics had been witnessed by a taxi driver, but it was their own actions that led to them being identified.

Having filmed themselves, the three young men and women, posted the video on Facebook where they were recognised and their details passed to the authorities.

The damage to the tree, which was decorated with 50,000 LED lights, was so severe that it was not safe to illuminate it until new lights had been fitted.

Demand for lights at this time of the year led to a delay in their delivery, but it was hoped they would have arrived yesterday afternoon and been fitted over the next 24 hours.

Gwyn Richards, of Reach Maintenance who has been responsible for installing the town’s lights, was determined the tree would be lit  this week.

The cost of the new lights and the labour charges are to be met by the vandals, who have apparently expressed regret at their actions. None of the three involved are currently students at either Falmouth or Exeter Universities or Falmouth Marine School.

PC Andy Hocking said: “The matter has been resolved amicably and to everyone’s satisfaction without the need of police or court action. There is a degree of restorative justice involved in that solution. Justice has been served.”

Town manager Richard Gates, who is also chairman of the Christmas organising committee in Falmouth, said: “It was very disappointing that the tree was vandalised last week however the feedback from |businesses and the community was very positive for Thursday evening as a whole not just the switch on.

“I am pleased to say that the damage is being paid for by the vandals and the tree will soon be illuminated.

The Christmas working group have worked hard to ensure there are a variety of events |taking place on the late nights and weekends to improve the atmosphere for 2013.”