Thieves dealt a blow to festivities when they carted off the tree -- and took an axe to it.

And when it was recovered, the age-old symbol of Christmas was found to be about three feet shorter.

Locals, however, are far from pining for another one.

For last night their tree -- however stumpy -- took pride of place in the City Hall during an evening of jollity.

And the town's burghers are confident it will still be there for the traditional New Year celebrations in King's Square.

The Mayor the Wor. Henry Hayward diplomatically described the tree -- originally 10ft -- as "proportionately shorter.'' "It's still in good condition, and there's no need to get another one. None of the lights on it were damaged,'' he said.

"We won't be keeping it outside the hall anymore though. It will be kept inside, where it's safe.'' Mr. Hayward was clearly needled by the theft when he spoke to The Royal Gazette .

"I haven't a clue how it happened. It is the first time this has ever happened.

"We've had a Christmas tree in the square for around 25 or 30 years.'' The tree should also be there when folk from around the Island flock to the town to see in the New Year.

Thursday night's theft has also stumped the Police, although they were quick to recover the tree from a local house yesterday afternoon.

Police spokesman Sgt. John Dale said he was unsure how officers got on to the trail -- although he ruled out fallen pine needles.

"There were certainly no footprints in the snow,'' he laughed.

It is believed the thieves probably used a truck to cart away the tree, and cut it down to size to fit in a living room.

Yesterday Police were interviewing two St. George's men -- aged 20 and 21 -- about the theft.

TREE-LY WONDERFUL -- Mrs. Linda Johnson redecorates the St. George's Christmas tree which was retrieved by Police after having been stolen.