Animal sculptures vandalised on village green

The memorial sculpture of Jess the dog was sprayed with black paint

Vandals have sprayed black paint on wooden animal and bird sculptures near to a war memorial pavilion on a village green.

It is believed the sculptures in South Creake, near Fakenham, Norfolk, were defaced on Monday.

The carvings were created from cherry tree stumps that were on the green.

Among those vandalised was a dog sculpture, which was a tribute to a local pet, Jess, who died last year.

Her owner, Hazel Blythe, said she was upset at the damage and wants those responsible to come forward.

"I saw the damage, and my heart just sank," she said.

South Creake Memorial Pavilion and South Creake Parish Council have asked anyone with information to contact them.

An owl sculpture made from a cherry tree has been defaced with black paint

Earlier this year, the parish council decided to re-use the cherry tree stumps to make the sculptures, which included Jess and an owl. A tree surgeon created a set of animals and birds to the delight of locals and visitors.

Ms Blythe said Jess died in September last year after her arthritis became too severe. Before her beloved pet became unwell, she would take her for daily walks on the village green.

She said she was so grateful to the parish council for putting up the statue of Jess over the summer.

"The parish council organised it all," she explained. "Jess was such a big character in the village."

Ms Blythe discovered the damage when she was walking with her new dog on the green.

"I'm just worried it's personal," she added.