AN anonymous resident has put up a reward of £100 for anyone who can help trace three grave ornaments stolen from York Cemetery.

The 48-year-old man has put up the cash in return for any information that can lead to the recovery of the stone pieces which were stolen from the Cemetery Road ground.

Two angels decorating the graves of family members and an ornamental dog were reported stolen at the weekend after their absence was spotted by visitors.

The man, who has no family connection with the graves, said he chose to offer the money as a gesture "that somebody cares".

He said: "It could well be my grave that has been desecrated and I won't be able to do anything about it when I'm dead, but I can now."

Cemetery warden Vanessa Temple said: "As a rule things do not go missing on a regular basis but unfortunately we have had some isolated incidents of theft."

Detective Constable Ian Murray, of York CID, said the heavy stone ornaments were carried off between September 16 and September 26.

He said rewards often helped sharpen people's memories and the distinctive grave ornaments may well be offered for sale in the York area.

Anyone with information about the missing goods can contact York Police on 01904 631321 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555 111.

Updated: 08:34 Friday, October 03, 2003