Sudbury couple's plea for return of stolen treasured statue

A couple from Sudbury have been left disappointed after a treasured garden statue was stolen.

Mark and Emilie Foster were given a pair of garden gnomes as a wedding gift when they married in 1999.

The novelty statues, which are shown exposing themselves, have amused locals and schoolchildren over the past decade, while being stationed outside their home in Plough Lane.

Mr Foster said the family were left saddened after one of the statues, named Mandelson – inspired by the former Labour politician – was stolen.

Despite their comedic charm, the statues have acquired sentimental value for the couple, who moved to the town in 2003.

“They have been with us all over the country,” said Mr Foster, 52, who works in Acton. “Everybody loves them; they are well established in the community.”

Mr Foster, his wife, Emilie, 42, and two sons Alexander, nine, a student at St Gregory Primary School, and son Rory, 14, who goes to Ormiston Sudbury Academy, hope the culprit responsible will return the statue to its original place.