FUNERAL service staff were left shocked after their prize-winning garden was left in pieces by vandals.

For three consecutive years, Silletts Funeral Service in Radcliffe has been awarded the title best commercial garden in the Bury in Bloom competition.

But overnight, the firm's valuable banana plant, which has been nurtured by a dedicated gardener for five years, has been dug up from within a flower bed and stolen.

When funeral director Paul Sillett arrived for work on Monday, May 28, he also discovered two hanging baskets on the floor and a bin tipped on its side.

Mr Sillett said: "We were upset.

"The banana plant had been taken. Someone had trampled over the other flowers and plants while they took it.

"We do not know if it was vandalism or someone wanted the plants.

"It is sad. It is happening everywhere.

"We try very hard to keep our place looking at its best and have for a number of years won awards from Bury Council."

The banana tree, recognisable by its large leaves, was purchased by the firm around five years ago.

Ever since, gardener Philip Dale has maintained it by wrapping it up to protect it from the cold weather, and storing it inside during the winter months.

The banana plant, which stood around five feet tall, had been replanted in situ, at the centre of a display on the front lawn, just days before it was stolen.

Joe Sillett described the plant as "priceless" to the funeral service.

Mr Sillett thanked kind-hearted residents who have rallied round to help the funeral service.

He said: "We have been overwhelmed with the concern and kindness, the comments on the Spotted Radcliffe Facebook page, the visits from local folk, neighbours coming across to us who are checking their CCTV, and even offers of help and plants from around the borough.

"We are sure that the good people locally outnumber the bad ones?"

Shrubs and flowers that surrounded the banana plant have since been replanted and the hanging baskets have been fixed.