A MEMORIAL bench donated to a charity by a mystery benefactor has been ripped out of the ground by thieves.

They struck at the Roots for All allotments in Shepherds Cross Street, Brownlow Fold, where the bench was used by volunteers.

Cash to buy it had been given to the organisation by a mystery donor who said she wanted to a seat to be bought in memory of her late husband.

The iron and wood piece of garden furniture was secured to decking at the allotment using industrial screws.

A silver plaque was attached to the back rest, which read: "Donated to the allotment in memory of my husband and all the good work he has done."

But just eight months on, and it has been stolen - by a gang who went equipped for the job.

Hayley Woolley, member of Respect Mentoring which runs the Roots for All project, said: "This bench meant a lot of things to many people, and of course to the lady who donated the funds to purchase it.

"All of us have felt the blow of the missing seat, which expressed the kindness of the donor. To take it seems inappropriate to say the least."

The Roots for All allotments organisation was established in 2006 and promotes healthy eating among Bolton Residents. It is run by the Respect project and is open to all adults and children in Bolton.

Staff at the allotment first noticed the bench was missing three weeks ago when they cleaned up the site after a spate of bad weather.

Ms Woolley said: "On a recent tidying up day we realised that our memory bench had disappeared, despite being heavily drilled into decked walkways."

Donald Gayle, manager of Respect Mentoring said: "We know it wasn't kids who stole this bench - it was heavy duty and kept in an enclosed space so it would have taken a fair bit of strength to steal it. I'm amazed someone managed to get it over the fence.

Mr Gayle and his team at Roots for All - Ms Woolley, Reena Patel and Scott Dacey - are now calling on witnesses to come forward: "We haven't go the police involved at this stage, we just want to see the bench returned."

If you have information, call 01204 848011.