A children's play area destroyed by vandals will not be rebuilt.

The community near Easthill Park, Portslade, has decided not to make a second living willow tunnel after the first one was ripped apart just three days after it was unveiled.

Parents and children had spent weeks raising funds before sculpting the tunnel with the help of a professional artist.

It was made from willow cuttings planted into the ground, which would have taken root and grown over the next 15 years.

They were devastated when it was ripped to shreds a month ago.

Adam Pride, chairman of Easthill Park Group - set up to help improve the park - said members have come to the sad decision not to build a second tunnel.

Mr Pride said: "We thought it would only get vandalised again.

"Discussions within the council have told us that the stronger something is, the more likely it is to be a target for vandalism, as it is seen as more of a challenge. It is also now too late in the year to plant willow successfully.

"We might consider doing something next spring but it will be more modest next time."

Mr Pride said the whole experience had been disheartening for both parents and children.

He said: "The children are still disappointed.

"All that remains at the site now are a couple of wild flowers."