A BUSH planted in memory of an elderly worshipper was among plants stolen from a special church garden just two days after it opened.

Thieves took a rhododendron bush laid in honour of 76-year-old Olive Bishop, who died earlier this year, from the new prayer and memorial garden at Lockwood Baptist Church.

They also swiped a number of other flowers and plants during the break-in.

Rev Ian Inglis said: “It’s very upsetting, not necessarily because of the value of the plants – we have had a lot more damage in the past from lead being stolen and windows smashed – but because the children had just helped to plant the garden in what had been a very special occasion.

“Olive’s family had paid for the bush and we made sure we had put it in the right spot.

“We had a plaque made, but hadn’t even had time to put it up when the bush was taken.”

The church runs a prayer partnership scheme, in which young members are partnered with older members to pray together.

The garden was made to support the scheme as well as to remember Olive.

Children planted flowers at a special picnic on Sunday, May 18.

The break-in happened two-days later – two years after the church had CCTV installed to combat vandalism.

Pictures from the cameras showed two men forcing the padlock open at 6am on May 20.

They left with a range of herbs, a lavender, escallonia, two dwarf conifers, a hebe and various other plants as well as the rhododendron.

Mr Inglis said the plants were only worth £30 to £40 but he believed the theft was planned.

He said: “They knew what they were doing. They had come prepared with a large hold-all, which they had thrown over the wall before breaking in. They went straight over to the garden.

“Unfortunately, this is something you have to get used to round here.

“The last thing we want to do is become a fortress, with barbed wire and grills on the windows.

“We just keep going – we are determined not to let it get us down.”

The church believes the plants may have been sold by the thieves.

The suspects are believed to be white and in their 20s or 30s. One had a receding hairline.

They were carrying a blue hold-all bag and walked off in the direction of Swan Lane.

Anyone with information can contact Rev Inglis on 01484 548423.