A FRIEND of a soldier from Crediton who died in a motorbike crash after serving in Afghanistan has launched a campaign to replace the wreaths damaged in the town.
Among the wreaths laid to mark Remembrance Day in Crediton was one for Jamie Flemming, of Crediton, and his was among those burnt by thugs.
His friend Becky Collins is now asking businesses to pledge £20 towards new wreaths and to make a community donation to Help for Heroes and the town's Poppy Appeal.
Police were called last Monday at 1.15am after a member of the public saw two teenagers setting fire to the wreaths at the war memorial, hours after the remembrance service took place.
The vandals are thought to be a boy and a girl aged about 15. Both were wearing hooded tops and were seen running towards the park behind the memorial.
Miss Collins said: "Jamie was very well known and was a part of our big group of friends. Everyone is absolutely shocked and disgusted.
"It's absolutely awful that this has happened in Crediton. We are a nice town; there were so many people at the service on Sunday paying their respects. To think someone has gone out of their way to do this."
More than five businesses in the town centre have contributed with The Ship Inn, in the High Street, pledging to donate its door money from Friday night to the fund.
Crediton's rector, the Rev Nigel Guthrie, who led the ceremony, said: "I was very sorry to hear what had happened, particularly for those upset and those who had laid the wreaths, some of which had a very personal meaning."
He said it was a disappointing incident, most "unusual" for Crediton.
Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact them on 101.
