The attack has been branded "sacrilegious" by a local history supporter, who says it is part of a worrying trend of anti-social behaviour in Scarbor-ough's much-loved Old Town.

The damaged gravestone in St Mary's churchyard, home to Anne Bronte's grave, an attraction that brings many lovers of literature to town from throughout the country, was smashed.

The vandalism has been reported to the police. It is the second attack in a month on a memorial at St Mary's, where no burials have taken place for over a century.

Sandra Wood, who regularly visits the churchyard, said: "It's sacrilege. I wonder what they'd think if it happened to one of their relatives' graves? I'm from a fishing family and there are very many fishermen buried at St Mary's – it's part of Scarborough's history and they should respect it."

Scarborough Council has agreed to repair the stone at no cost to the church.

You can read more on this story, with more photos, in Saturday's Scarborough Evening News.