A STOURPORT training provider hit by a devastating burglary have been given a welcome boost with the donation of flowers.

Worcester-based property management company Place Partnership, alongside West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner, have provided the flowers for Muddy Boots to sell and help them get back on their feet following a break-in in the summer.

The community interest company, which supports 16 people with learning disabilities, had more than £5,000 worth of gardening tools and equipment stolen during the raid.

Place Partnership and Mr Campion decided to donate the flowers so that Muddy Boots could sell them and put the proceeds towards replacing the stolen equipment.

The flowers, including Helebore's, Agapanthus, Liriope and Kaffir Lilly, had been grown by Place Partnership Head Gardener Stuart Reading at Hindlip Hall and will be sold for 50p - £4 at the Muddy Boots base at Leapgate Farm on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 9am-3pm.

Lesley Tite, of Muddy Boots, said: "We have been overwhelmed by the messages of support from the public and our followers.

“The theft of our equipment has been a massive blow and our service users have been upset by the whole experience and struggle to understand why someone would want to do this.

“Sincere thanks to Place Partnership and the West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner for the donation of these beautiful plants for us to sell to raise much needed funds.

“We are currently raising funds to replace our vehicle but this may have to be temporarily suspended now."

Place Partnership Managing Director, Andrew Pollard added: “Muddy Boots does some brilliant work in its local community and when we learned that their store room had been broken into and equipment stolen, we were very keen to help in any way we could.

“I am really pleased that, with the support of the West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner, we were able to enable the team to raise some valuable funds for new equipment. Hopefully this will get them back out working as soon as possible.”

And John Campion, West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “After hearing that someone was heartless enough to steal from a community interest company, I was more than happy to donate some plants that would go some way to helping this team get back on their feet.

“They carry out invaluable work helping those that are most vulnerable, so I wish them luck in raising the money.”