A Cowling family is distraught that thieves have once again targeted the shrine to their dead son.

The Gotts' youngest son Jason died suddenly of a rare heart condition - hypertrophic cardiomyopathy - which thickens the heart muscles - in 1994, aged 22.

The family scattered his ashes on a patch of their land, on Thornsfield Farm, Cowling Hill, and planted some conifer trees to form a memorial area.

It was a quiet spot, away from the road, where Jason's parents, brother and sister could go to feel close to him.

But thieves have now unscrewed and removed a plaque dedicated to Jason between last Friday and Saturday afternoon.

It read: "In memory of Jason Gott, a much loved son and brother."

This adds insult to injury for the Gotts who suffered the theft of several trees in 1998 and again last June.

"It's terrible," says Jason's mother Sandra Gott. "I just wish they would keep away from there.

"I would be happy if they just put the plaque back even if it's damaged.

"But this upsets the whole family. When the trees went where the ashes were it felt like they were taking Jason with them.

"It was Jason's birthday on the Thursday and with this happening it's all the more upsetting still. It's bad enough having to live with what has happened anyway without all this as well."

The police advised the family to erect the plaque, after the first theft, thinking it would keep thieves away.

Anyone who may know something about this recent incident should contact Cross Hills police on 01756 793377 or the confidential Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.