A KNUTSFORD pensioner and his 90-year-old neighbour have been left ‘heartbroken’ after callous thieves ransacked their ornamental garden stealing hundreds of pounds worth of goods.

Kenneth Trotman, 74, spent two years building a ‘farm’ garden for his elderly neighbour Doris Williams outside her Winstanley House flat - complete with expensive sheep, lamb, sheepdog chicken and cow ornaments.

However, six weeks ago Kenneth was horrified when he discovered that the ewe and her two lambs had been stolen from the garden overnight and is appealing for the thieves to return the beloved animal ornaments.

Kenneth, who lives in the flat above Doris at the sheltered housing development, said: “It’s unbelievable. Doris really loved her garden and I worked so hard to cheer her up and make it look lovely. This has really broken her heart.

“It’s a pity I wasn’t there when it happened as the thieves wouldn’t have walked away.”

The pensioner spent hundreds of pounds on the garden and Doris also contributed money to its upkeep.

The theme for the garden was inspired by Kenneth’s childhood and he travelled to across Cheshire to source the best materials.

“I used to live on a farm and love animals so I thought it would be a nice idea. The garden reminded me of the old days,” he said.

“I’m disgusted how old people are treated these days, it’s very sad. Why don’t these people go get a job and buy these sorts of things for themselves instead of stealing from people like us? It’s such a shame.”

Kenneth, who also dedicates his free time to planting flowers in nearby Mobberley, hopes for the animals’ safe return so that he can restore the garden to its former glory.

He added: “Someone will have noticed something. Ornamental sheep are hard to miss and they are probably sitting in someone’s garden right now. Please come forward if you know where they are.”

Anyone with information about the missing sheep should call the police on their non-emergency number 101.