THIEVES have damaged a firm's chances of doing well in this year's Malvern in Boom competition.

Two stone flower tubs were stolen from outside DIR International Events, a sports tour operator in Upper Chase Road, Barnard's Green. The tubs were taken overnight on Thursday, June 27.

Sue Roessler, for the firm, said: "We have about six stone tubs and some hanging baskets for Malvern in Bloom.

"Two of the stone tubs have now been stolen. It must have taken quite an effort to move them because they're very heavy."

Ms Roessler said the tubs had been there for at least ten years and staff members were accustomed to leaving them outside overnight.

"All we're trying to do is help make the town look good for Malvern in Bloom and then this happens," she said. "If someone is going around stealing these things, perhaps other firms ought to watch out."