VANDALS have attacked decorations put up outside a house in memory of a baby boy who died at Christmas time.

They slashed an inflatable snowman and Father Christmas and dumped them in the garden.

But the family have vowed not to be deterred. They have repaired the decorations and put them back on show.

Melanie and Philip Hall have been decorating the outside of their home in Seddon Street, Little Hulton, every Christmas in memory of their first son, Joshua, who died aged 14 months after suffering an epileptic fit on Boxing Day, 1994.

Melanie, aged 27, said: "We use the decorations to celebrate Joshua's life. I tell our other sons that he is a star in the sky looking down on us and that the lights are his Christmas present."

Each year they add something new to entertain their three boys, Jacob, aged six, Cameron, aged five, and Colbie, aged 15 months, but this year's new additions were short-lived.

Two 8ft inflatables -- a Father Christmas and a snowman -- made their debut appearance this year, when after three weeks of preparation by Melanie, Philip and Melanie's aunt Mary Charlton, the lights were switched on.

But just four days later they were found slashed in the garden. Melanie said: " "People might not have known why we do this, but that is no excuse. It is very upsetting."

Armed with her sewing machine, Melanie's mother repaired the inflatables and they were put back on display.

"For Joshua's sake, we were determined not to be beaten," Melanie said.