A REWARD for information leading to the capture of vandals who attacked a child's grave has been offered by the Clitheroe mason who forged the headstone.

The grave of Cherie Hardy, six, in the cemetery in Keighley Road, Colne, has been attacked twice in two weeks by vandals who daubed it with graffiti.

In the latest attack wooden crucifixes were ripped up from nearby plots and slung at the headstone. Floral tributes were also strewn across the grave. The words 'eat' and 'dirt' were also written on the marble headstone.

The family are too upset to talk about the attacks, but according to mason Tommy Rayson, they are heartbroken.

The vandals have prompted police and the council's Park Ranger service to step up patrols in the area.

Tommy said: "I know that they visit the grave religiously. The little girl's grandfather goes every day, they just do not know why someone would want to put them through this. The whole family go there all the time and they keep it immaculate."

Tommy, who has businesses in Brierfield and Clitheroe, was so shocked when he saw what had happened to the white marble headstone, that he felt he had to do something.

He continued: "I thought that it must be kids, or teenagers doing this and that someone must know something about it. I felt that putting up a reward might prompt someone into telling on their mates."

Tommy is offering £200 for information leading to the capture of the perpetrators.

Police are still appealing for information about the attacks, the latest one of which took place in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Sgt Vicky Howarth, of Colne CID, said the family have found it hard to come to terms with the vandalism.

Anyone with information should contact police on 01282 472420.