A MEMORIAL stone has been desecrated just hours after it was unveiled by a Hampshire mayor.

The cement had not even dried around the newly-laid tribute at Wells Place, Eastleigh, when vandals struck.

They etched the letters KITA into the bottom right hand corner of the ceremonial stone.

The vandalism has shocked community leaders, coming so close to the unveiling ceremony.

Civic chiefs say they will not be beaten by the vandals and are still planning to lay similar stones in other town centre roads where there is an historical story to tell.

Councillor Wall said: "It is unfortunate to see the damage which has been caused to the stone. But we hope it will be rectified as soon as possible. This incident will not deter us from putting in similar paving stones."

The paving stone refers to St Swithun Wells, who gives his name to Wells Place.

St Swithun Wells was said to be Eastleigh's own saint.

In the late 16th century, following Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries, Catholics were out of favour in England.

St Swithun Wells was born at Brambridge Hall, near Allbrook. He was a Catholic and regularly held Mass, an outlawed practice, at his London home.

In 1591 his home was raided by the government and St Swithun Wells was executed in December of that year. He was canonised by Pope Paul VI in 1970 and his Saint's Day is May 4.