Thieves target Jubilee flower festival

Organisers of a Jubilee flower festival say they have been left stunned after items were stolen from the exhibition.

The event, at St Nicholas Cathedral in Newcastle, was opened by the Duchess of Northumberland and attracted more than 2,000 visitors over the bank holiday weekend.

But it ended on a sour note after six military medals, map making instruments and a vintage flying scarf were taken from the festival.

Police said the items were stolen some time between 3pm on Wednesday and 1pm on Thursday.

The Reverend Canon Sheila Bamber said: "I simply can't understand what makes anyone stoop so low as to steal items that have very little monetary value but to their owners are priceless in terms of sentimental value.

"These thieves have just wandered in wilfully and spoilt other people's parties and celebrations. It's not on, it simply isn't."

The festival's chief florist, Margaret Vickers said: "I think it is a terrible thing that someone would steal medals that someone had fought in wars to protect the freedom of our nation had won. What were they thinking of?

"We have contacted the police and they have taken statements and notified all of the local businesses dealing in such items to be on the lookout. But I don't hold out much hope that they will be recovered."

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: "We are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria Police."