A MOTHER has hit out at heartless thieves who stole her son's memorial from a lamp-post.

The plaque, mounted to celebrate the life of Keith Webster, a young motorbike crash victim, was stolen between January 24 and 26.

His mother, Jane Webster, said: "It not only distresses me, but sickens me to think that it could serve any purpose, other than what it was put up for -- to remember a great lad who we all miss."

The wooden six by four inch plaque, bearing Keith's name, date of birth and his death and the words "I'll be missing you" was paid for and put on the lamp-post by Mrs Webster's sister Sharon. She had gone up each week to clean the plaque and put fresh flowers near the lamp-post. A neighbour living near to the plaque contacted her on January 26 to say that it was missing, along with flowers that had recently been laid.

Mrs Webster said: "I just can't get my head round it at all. I don't know what someone would want with it. I know that anyone that knows him wouldn't have touched it."

Friends of 16-year-old Keith, who died following the accident in August last year, also hope to mount another memorial nearby, and are hoping to gain permission to do so.

The group of teenagers from Breightmet wanted to do something special that they could remember their friend by. They have made a CD with some of his favourite songs and sold copies for donations to help pay for the tribute.

Keith, of Long Lane, Breightmet, suffered head injuries in the accident on Waggon Road, less than 400 yards from his home. The bike swerved across the road after Keith lost control and ploughed into the lamp post at the Waggon Road junction with Mobberley Road.

A pillion passenger, aged 20, also from the Breightmet area, suffered serious chest injuries in the accident.

Anyone with any information about the plaque can contact Mrs Webster on 01204 412013.