A former Lord Mayor of Bradford has hit out at thieves who stole flower displays - throwing into jeopardy a bid to win a top award in this year’s Yorkshire In Bloom competition.

Councillor Valerie Binney, chairman of Thornton in Bloom said volunteers, residents and shopkeepers, were stunned to discover thieves had pinched 14 planters from around Thornton worth around £200.

In its first year in the Yorkshire In Bloom competition last year, Thornton was given a silver award and were joint winners in the Best New Entry award.

They also scooped an award of merit for a community garden.

Coun Binney said the volunteers had only just finished re-planting flowers following the spring judging, in time for the final return of the judges on July 10.

She said: “It is very upsetting because we struggle to get funds and we just don’t have any money left to replace them.

Police are investigating.