A CHURCH warden has slammed thieves who have twice stolen rose trees she planted in memory of her mother.

Jean Smallwood says was left "appalled" when she heard that thieves had struck for a second time at St John the Baptist Church, in Claines, on Saturday night.

"I just couldn't believe it when the vicar broke the news to me on Sunday morning," said Mrs Smallwood, of Leabank Drive, Worcester.

"I very nearly fell over. We only planted them on the Monday before. It's awful."

Three years ago, parishoners at the 12th Century church decided to restore the memorial walk leading from the lych gate to the south door. They clubbed together and bought rose bushes as a tribute to loved ones.

Mrs Smallwood planted some rose trees along the walkway in memory of her mother, Jean Simpson, who had died in September of that year.

But the congregation was dealt a bitter blow in February when thieves struck, removing all but one of the 10 rose trees.

"It was bad enough the first time," said Mrs Smallwood, aged 58, who has been a warden at St John the Baptist for three years.

"But to find out all five of the replacement rose trees, including the one remaining tree they didn't get last time, have been stolen just days after they were planted is sickening.

"It's horrible to think we are being watched that closely and that anyone would steal from consecrated ground."

The church's vicar, the Reverend Stephen Agnew, said he was saddened by the latest theft. He said no more rose trees would be planted.

"It's obvious the standard roses are being stolen to order," he said.

"They were dug up properly and there was no mess. It's very sad because it means we just won't be able to have these type of roses any more."

A police spokesman described the theft as "unusual".

"As far as we are aware this is an isolated occurrence, although we do believe the thefts are linked," she said.

Worcester police are appealing to anyone with any information about the theft of the rose trees to contact them on 08457 444888 quoting reference number 78C/200403.