THIEVES have stolen a union flag erected in memory of soldiers who gave their lives in defence of their country.

Loftus Town Council put up its Union Jack flag for Remembrance Sunday back in November as part of the town's services for remembering its war heroes.

But on the Saturday night, as the flag was flying at half mast on the flag pole next to the town hall, someone scaled the supposedly anti-vandal pole and stole the flag.

The council has now bought a replacement flag, but the theft has outraged town councillor Roger Lings.

"It has cost about £80 to £90 to replace and they are not something that can be bought at Woolworths. I am really annoyed that we have had to buy another one because people were so mindless."