THIEVES who stole newly-planted flowers and trees worth more than £100 from a cemetery in Stockton have been criticised by a local councillor.

Less than two weeks ago, staff from Stockton Borough Council's cemeteries department spent a day planting several flower containers at the Durham Road Cemetery as part of a drive to improve the cemetery's environment and introduce some year-round colour.

The move followed on from the success of planting carried out last year to compliment the newly-opened Ashes Garden.

The thieves made off with several plants from the containers, including two dwarf pines, three large juniper trees and a variety of New Zealand flax.

Councillor Paul Kirton said the thieves had not only ruined the efforts to bring colour to the cemetery but had also spoilt the area for those whose relatives were buried there.

He said: "These people clearly have no respect for families and the incident was particularly upsetting because visitors to the cemetery had commented how nice the flowers and trees looked.

"We will do everything in our power to catch those responsible and are currently working with the police and studying video footage from the site."

Anyone who has information is asked to contact Stockton police, on (01642) 302226