MEMBERS of a bowls club are "disgusted" following the theft of three memorial benches dedicated to former players.

The garden furniture featured plaques commemorating five players of Gilt Edge Bowls Club in Kidderminster who have died in the past 10 years.

Club chairman David Little said: "To take chairs in memory of people who have played bowls here for years is a dirty trick."

Mr Little, who knew several of the late players well, added: "The older members are disgusted that someone would do that."

The chairman said one stolen bench remembered one-time Wolves footballer and "real character" Fred Badger.

The benches - one of which was screwed down - were together worth up to £1,200 and were stolen between Sunday afternoon and Tuesday morning last week.

There was no sign of a break-in following the raid, which also netted thieves a concrete mixer.

Anyone with information can contact Kidderminster Police on 08457 444888.