THIEVES stole a set of gates from a cemetery in Middlesbrough, only hours after they were installed.

The ornate, galvanised steel gates, worth more than £5,000, were put in place at the Roman Road entrance to Linthorpe Cemetery on Wednesday afternoon.

But when staff arrived for work at 7.30am yesterday, the gates were missing.

The gates - three metres by one-and-a-half metres - were designed by a local artist and depicted wildlife.

They were installed as part of a £1.7m restoration of the cemetery being undertaken by Middlesbrough Council.

The Friends of Linthorpe Cemetery have put in much hard work, and organised fundraising events to help pay for the restoration.

Judith Moore, a member of the group said: "I was stunned when I heard the gates had been stolen. I felt sick. I haven't even seen them in place yet."

Mrs Moore, who is writing a book on the history of people buried in the cemetery, appealed for the thieves to return the gates.

She said: "They are unique, and we want them back. Please bring them back, or leave them somewhere so we can collect them."

The cemetery was opened in 1869, although part of the site was used as a Quaker burial ground from 1668.

It covers 52 acres, and is the oldest working cemetery in Middlesbrough, with 50,000 graves of mixed denominations.

It is the largest single area of woodland in the town, and features a network of paths providing pedestrian access between local housing areas and the town centre.

Councillor Barry Coppinger, executive member for community safety and leisure, said: "This is absolutely heartbreaking for the young people, staff, volunteers and artist who put so much into this project.

"It really is despicable, and I hope that anyone who knows anything about this mean theft gets in touch with the police."

Anyone with any information is asked to ring Cleveland Police on 01642-303126, or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.