A devastated mother today made an emotional plea for the safe return of a teddy statue which was left as a special memorial to her daughter.

Mavis Tordoff-Wild bought the stone bear to put on the grave of her daughter Julie Smith who died of breast cancer aged 41 in March last year.

But when she visited the cemetery at St Mary's Church in Burley-in-Wharfedale, the teddy, which was painted with her daughter's name, had gone.

Mrs Tordoff-Wild, who lives at Wibsey, has not reported the theft to the police as she believes it could be a child who has taken the sentimental ornament.

"It is not the monetary value - what is upsetting me is the fact someone has taken a gift that was special from a mother to a daughter.

"I bought it because she loved teddies, she used to have shelves absolutely full of every kind of Teddy in the collection."

Julie Smith, who used to work in the advertising department at the Telegraph & Argus, raised around £60,000 for War on Cancer during her lifetime. She waged a ten-year battle against the disease while she was a sales director with Bradford-based World Textile Publications.

"She gave so much to the community that I'm devastated someone could have done this," said Mrs Tordoff-Wild.

"It's very upsetting to think someone could steal from a churchyard."

Roger Brookes, of St Mary's, said he hoped to speak to Mrs Tordoff-Wild about the matter. He said: "I was not aware of the problem and I understand the distress that this may have caused."

If anybody knows anything about the teddy, which is 12 inches high, they can call Mrs Tordoff-Wild on (01274) 573436.