A WOMAN is appealing for the safe return of garden ornaments given to her by her late daughter. Statues of Bill and Ben the Flowerpot Men were stolen from Julie Brooks front garden in Spring Road, Letchworth GC, last week. They had been there since summe

A WOMAN is appealing for the safe return of garden ornaments given to her by her late daughter.

Statues of Bill and Ben the Flowerpot Men were stolen from Julie Brooks' front garden in Spring Road, Letchworth GC, last week.

They had been there since summer 2003 after her daughter Natalie bought them for her.

Natalie died just a few months later, aged 16, of Hodgkin's disease.

Ms Brooks, 48, said: "I would like to say whoever stole the ornaments could they please bring them back because they have great sentimental value.

"It's most distressing that somebody should take them."

Natalie gave her mother the statues to add to a collection of animal ornaments she has in her garden.

Ms Brooks said the ornaments are very popular with local children, many of whom refuse to walk past without stopping to have a look.

"We add to the garden a couple of times a year because I get great joy from the little kids coming by and looking at the animals," she said.

Because of the theft, Ms Brooks said she is not sure if she will continue adding to her collection.

"I feel that I can no longer carry on with it because you get the few people who pinch things that ruin it for everyone," she said.

The statues went missing between Wednesday and Saturday of last week.

They are around 2ft high, made of porcelain and were in need of a coat of paint.

If you have information about the theft, ring the police on 01462 425000.