A charity has been forced to withdraw a sunflower memorial display for the first time in a decade after mindless vandals repeatedly damaged it.

Teesside Hospice launched its regular Sunflower Memories memorial display earlier this month which invites people to buy a handmade flower in memory of a loved one to be displayed on Saltburn Pier.

But within days of this year's scheme being launched, yobs vandalised and stole some of the dozens of sunflowers tied to the pier's railings.

They also caused over £1,500 worth of damage by trying to tear down a large banner advertising the scheme.

Hospice officials say the vandalism has caused distress to the scheme's bereaved supporters, which has led to the 'difficult decision' to remove the display today (Wednesday, August 17).

The Northern Echo: Vandals removed or damaged around 40 sunflowers from Saltburn Pier Picture: Teesside HospiceVandals removed or damaged around 40 sunflowers from Saltburn Pier Picture: Teesside Hospice

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A spokesman said: "As you may have seen, the sunflowers located on Saltburn Pier have been subject to abhorrent anti-social behaviour.

"Teesside Hospice has been shocked by these insidious actions, as there has never been such vandalism or disruption in all the years the appeal has featured on Saltburn Pier.

"In total, more than 40 Sunflowers in several incidents have been damaged or stolen, including the Sunflower Memories banner, which was torn from one side to the other.

"This has caused approximately £1,700 worth of damage and distress for many people who had sunflowers etched in memory with the names of their loved ones."

The Northern Echo: The damaged banner at Saltburn Pier Picture: Teesside HospiceThe damaged banner at Saltburn Pier Picture: Teesside Hospice

All supporters that have had sunflowers affected by this vandalism have been contacted.

Debbie Coulson, director of income generation at Teesside Hospice said: “We understand this has caused emotional distress for our supporters and it's a huge blow for us at the hospice too.

"This is a feeling we never want to cause our supporters as we’re here to create special memories and dedications for them.

“The majority of the public have been amazing with their support.

"Generous donations have helped us combat this behaviour and replace any sunflowers that have been affected.

"However, we’re still facing anti-social behaviour on a daily basis.”

All remaining sunflowers are now being taken down and arrangements have been made to return them to supporters of the charity.

On Saturday, Cleveland Police appealed on social media to the public for information about the damage.

A spokesperson for Cleveland Police said: “We were saddened to receive a report that some of the memorial sunflowers on Saltburn pier have been damaged and some even stolen.

"The handmade sunflowers are a beautiful and comforting tribute to lost loved ones and are part of the vital work carried out by Teesside Hospice, which will now have to find the money to replace the stolen or defaced flowers."

The Northern Echo: The memorial flowers at Saltburn Pier Picture: Teesside HospiceThe memorial flowers at Saltburn Pier Picture: Teesside Hospice

Debbie added: “We sincerely apologise for any distress this may have caused to our supporters and their families.

"This is the last thing we wanted to do.

"Sunflower Memories is a beautiful in memory appeal which has touched the hearts of many people across Teesside for over 10-years and we’re extremely sad it has had to end this way.

"Thank you to everyone who has supported the appeal and been so understanding during this difficult time."

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