VOLUNTEERS at a park in Urmston are 'gutted' after a planter in the shape of a ladybird was stolen.

Friends of Chassen Park have made a plea for the planter's return after its theft last week, prompting an angry and disbelieving response on social media.

Emma Jones, the group's deputy chair, suggested the theft might have been premeditated.

She said: "We noticed two of the planters – including the ladybird – had been loosened from their stakes, and arranged to reattach them the following day.

"We thought they'd been knocked loose accidentally.

"It didn't occur to us that they'd been loosened in order to be taken.

"We were absolutely gutted to get a message from a dog walker the next morning informing us the ladybird had gone."

Messenger Newspapers: The theft happened last week.The theft happened last week.

Installed just weeks ago after fundraising by Friends of Chassen Park, the planter is one of four – the others being in the shape of a bee, dog and giraffe.

Emma is concerned the thieves might come back for the others too.

She described the theft as 'a real shame' for the group, itself a new creation, as well as for the community as a whole.

She added: "It's a real shame for the community as the planters were installed using money raised through donations.

"We're really shocked somebody would do this, but we're not going to let it dishearten us."

As well as continuing their work cleaning, litter picking, painting, planting and weeding, Friends of Chassen Park are making a plan for the autumn including a street art mural.

For information on the group, or to get involved, email friendsofchassen@outlook.com or join the group on Facebook.