Callous thieves have stolen treasured plants from a blind woman from Ryedale.

Pat Onions, of Westgate, Pickering, who has been blind for 20 years, can only see very bright colours and makes hanging baskets to brighten up her garden.

But 30 or 40 plants - fuchsias and trailing lobelias - were stolen at the weekend by thieves who police believe may offer the haul for sale.

Pat said: "I feel dirty, that they have been on my land and taken away something that belongs to me.

"The police were very sympathetic, but they said thefts like these were very common, especially with Bank Holiday car boot sales coming up."

A North Yorkshire police spokesman appealed for information, particularly from anyone who is offered the plants.

Updated: 10:53 Thursday, May 24, 2001