A WIDOW is appealing for the return of an ornamental candle lamp which was stolen from her husband's grave over the weekend.

Mrs Roswitha Pitfield, aged 65, of Cecil Street, Bolton, is now offering a reward for its return.

She bought the lamp specially from Germany for the grave of her husband, Francis, who died last March at the age of 69. She said it was not the first time her husband's grave, at Tonge Fold Cemetery, had been targeted.

Mrs Pitfield said: "The lamp must have been stolen on Friday night or early Saturday morning because I lit a candle in it on Friday. It is very upsetting. I look after his grave, and then something like this happens. I cannot understand why people feel the need to do this, they have no respect at all."

A spokesman for Bolton Council said: "This seems to be an isolated incident. The cemetery gates are locked and the cemetery is patrolled regularly. If anyone does notice anything untoward, they should contact the cemeteries office on 01204 334499."

Mrs Pitfield can be contacted on 01204 370947.