A woman of 69 was horrified to find that thieves had sneaked into her garden and made off with bonsai trees, some of which she had been tending for 40 years.

Celia Spikin awoke on Tuesday to find a number of red Acer bonsai trees had been taken from outside her home in Middlesex Road, Shepway, Maidstone.

She said: “They were mainly gifts that had been given to me over the years, for things like birthdays and my retirement.

“So not only are they worth a lot of money but they really mean a lot to me.

“I know it sounds silly but I virtually treat them like children because they need so much care.”

She said: “At first when I discovered what had happened I just felt so deflated. I felt what is the point?

“Now I feel angry.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Maidstone Police on 01622 604173 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.