THIEVES, who stole two 19th Century wooden doors from a disused mortuary have been condemned by local officials.

The large arched green doors have wrought iron ornate handles and strap hinges. They are thought to be worth more than £400 and were taken from Guisborough Cemetery, in Church Lane, in the past few days.

The theft has provoked an outcry from Cleveland Police as well as Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, which has responsibility for the cemetery.

John Jones, responsible for cemeteries at the council, said he was staggered at the theft and described it as "wanton vandalism".

"We can only assume someone must have taken them for a specific purpose, either for the wood itself or possibly they were constructing an archway."

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Police said that the thieves should be ashamed of themselves.

"It never ceases to surprise us the depths some people will go to steal property," she said.

Anyone with information is asked to call Guisborough police on (01642) 302026.