A VOLUNTEER group which has worked tirelessly to transform a cemetery and churchyard into a welcoming place for visitors has spoken of its anger after recently-installed benches were stolen from the grounds.

The Friends of Prescot Cemetery & Churchyard who have spent the past few transforming the grounds of Prescot Parish Church into a clean area for visitors, were shocked to find four benches had been stolen.

The group says the benches were taken on Tuesday evening this week (April 17), just six months after they had been installed.

The group had put in the benches and varnished them last October.

After the theft, Viv Frodsham, chair of the Friends, said: "The benches which we painstakingly varnished last autumn have been stolen.

"They are teak and very heavy, would have been at least a two man job with a big van. Please look in people's gardens, someone must know where they are.

She added: "Needless to say we are all very demoralised. We enjoy those benches for a sit down on our break when we are tired.

"Last weekend a family were sat there enjoying the sunshine."

A statement on the Friends' Facebook page, read: "So sad to report that the four benches which we installed last year have been stolen.

"We work so hard for our community to make this a pleasant place for people to sit and reflect, yet someone can do this. Beggars belief."

The Friends are asking anyone with information to contact Merseyside Police on 101.