Thieves have stolen floral tributes to Bradford's former Lord Mayor Harry Mason.

A huge display of red roses was snatched from Queensbury's cenotaph where they had been placed after the funeral of Councillor Mason.

The roses had adorned the coffin of Coun Mason - who died last month from motor neurone disease - following a memorial service at Bradford Cathedral conducted by the Bishop of Bradford, the Rt Rev David Smith.

Today angry friends of the grieving family condemned the theft of the flowers.

His distressed widow Christine, who made a specific request for the flowers to be placed on the cenotaph, has reported the theft to police. Mrs Mason, who lives at Clayton Heights, said: "I am shocked. He was so highly respected by people."

The courageous ward councillor and father-of-four lost his fight against crippling motor neurone disease just over a fortnight ago. The terminal illness was diagnosed shortly after he became Lord Mayor.

As his health deteriorated he courageously carried out his duties in a wheelchair until his civic year ended last May. He continued as ward councillor with the assistance of his wife even after he became bed-bound and the couple were helping people until just days before he died.

Today Mrs Mason said arrangements were being made to bury his ashes at Queensbury Parish Church.

Former Queensbury councillor Ena Hey, a long-time friend of the family who lives in the village, said: "Harry was known so well and was so highly esteemed that it is absolutely shocking.

"It has been a tradition for as long as I can remember for people to choose to put the flowers of their loved ones on the cenotaph and it was Christine's particular wish. He was so well loved that it gave people, particularly the elderly who had not been able to go to the service, the chance to see the flowers and remember him."

Magistrate and former Queensbury councillor Eric Sunderland said: "As a fellow Christian I am appalled that anyone could interfere in this time of grieving for the family."

Mr Sunderland, who is now a supplementary magistrate, but served on the bench at Bradford courts until three years ago, said: "I think it is a disgrace they could not let his tributes rest in peace as he is doing."

A police spokesman said: "Our thoughts and sympathy are with the family. They must be very upset about the theft of the flowers."

She appealed for anyone with information to contact Bradford South police on (01274) 376459.

e-mail: olwen.vasey@bradford.newsquest.co.uk