Vandals wreck Percy Thrower bust

A bronze bust of Britain's first celebrity gardener Percy Thrower has been vandalised in Shrewsbury's Quarry, causing thousands of pounds of damage.

The statue was damaged along with another of a mermaid and dozens of flowers were also pulled up during the spree. Margaret Thrower, daughter of Mr Thrower, said she had been left devastated after hearing news of the damage.

She said: "I just can't understand what pleasure they get out of doing something like this, it's such a shame.

"The Quarry has always been a prime target for vandalism but I thought now with The Dingle having new fencing and other measures that it would be more secure.

"I don't know who would do such a thing but it's such a shame I don't know what pleasure they could get from it."

Mr Thrower, who lived at The Magnolias, Bomere Heath, was known to millions of television viewers through his appearances on BBC's Gardeners World and programmes like Blue Peter. He died in 1988.

Miss Thrower said she was upset that it was the second time the bust has been vandalised and said it showed a lack of respect.

The statue, commissioned by the Shropshire Star, was attacked and knocked over in 2005 causing damage estimated at £2,000. The bust was unveiled by Miss Thrower at that year's Shrewsbury Flower Show.

It was created by Shrewsbury sculptress Jane Robbins - a cousin of music legend Sir Paul McCartney.

Peter Road-Night, secretary of Shropshire Horticultural Society, said Mr Thrower had been the horticultural advisor to the show committee for a number of years. He added the news was "very sad".

Gary Farmer, operations manager at Shrewsbury Town Council, said: "We are going to take the vandalised items away to be repaired.

"It is the jewel in the crown of The Quarry and the small minority are ruining it for everyone."

Maria Hawkaluk, spokeswoman for West Mercia Police, said: "The head of the statue was knocked off along with one of a mermaid.

"Flowers were also pulled up during the incident which happened sometime between 4pm on Saturday and 7.30am on Sunday. The damage is estimated to have cost thousands of pounds."

Call police on 0300 3333000.

By Andrew Morris