Due to overwhelming demand from children, Santa made an extra stop outside the store on Friday night.

When he returned next day he was met with a trail of shattered glass covering the floor of the grotto.

Ken Chamberlin, on behalf of Sudbury's two Rotary Clubs, said: "It wasn't really in the festive spirit, but it is something you begin to expect these days.

"Glass was showered all over the area where the children would have been, but we were determined they shouldn't miss out, so we got on with the job of clearing up and boarding up the windows."

He said Father Christmas had now revised his list of calls on Christmas Eve, and he would be leaving out those who caused so much heartache at the weekend.

l The Rotary Club grotto will be outside the Town Hall December 18, Waitrose December 19 and Roys on December 20.

n Anyone who has information on the vandalism should call Pc Niall Johnson at Sudbury police on 01284 774100.