A PENSIONER has been left distraught after her prized collection of garden ornaments, which has taken more than 20 years to develop, was stolen.

Cilcanita Clarke, of The Gaunts, Alvechurch, had built up an array of flamingos, pelicans and parrots from as far afield as Canada.

The garden was a focal point for families in the village who would gather around the house to admire the collection.

Mrs Clarke, 63, and her husband, Clifford, had been at their grandson's 18th birthday party when the theft happened at about 11.30pm last Wednesday.

"It's really upset me and I'll always remember it happening on my grandson's 18th birthday.

"It took me so long to build the garden up but the way I feel now, I could let the garden grow into a jungle," Mrs Clarke explained.

Pc Dave Hind, of Redditch police, said: "The police are very disappointed thieves have targeted this address and removed the garden ornaments from what is something of a local feature.

"The residents have created this garden for the benefit of local people and are distraught at their loss."

A dark coloured car, similar to a Fiesta or Metro, could have been used by the thieves.

Anyone with information can call Redditch police on 584888 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.