A DISTRAUGHT widow has made a heartfelt plea for the return of four stone animals taken from her husband's grave.

Susan Knight was stunned to find thieves had taken the statues when she went to water flowers on her husband Brian's grave at Hampton Cemetery in Pershore Road, Evesham, last Thursday.

"It really upset me. It's bad enough anyway having to deal with it without this happening," she said.

"They could have gone any time since June 20 as I hadn't been to the cemetery for a week and it was only last Thursday I noticed they weren't there."

The statues were of great sentimental value and had been specially selected by members of Mr and Mrs Knight's family to remember their dad and granddad, who died on March 14, last year.

A rabbit with "I love you " written on it was taken, along with a cat in a boot, a cat lying down and an otter.

"One was from my daughter, my grandchildren put a couple on and I put some there too," said Mrs Knight.

"They were of great sentimental value and that is what it is all about. It is not about money. I just can't get over the fact that someone would take them and I really want them back," she added.

She said as long as the statues were returned she did not need to know who took them. She would just be happy for them to be put back on the grave.

Evesham police have been notified of the theft and are appealing for anyone with information about the theft or who knows the whereabouts of the statues to contact them on 01905 723888, quoting c/499458.

Anyone with information who would prefer to remain anonymous can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.