AN APPEAL has been set up after two antique railway benches were stolen from a popular Wye Valley visitor attraction.

The wood and metal benches were original features at Tintern railway station and are at least 70-years-old.

The benches, which were outside the tearoom at the Old Station, feature the Great Western Railway’s famous ‘GWR’ logo.

John Sterry, the manager of the Monmouthshire Council-owned attraction, said: “The benches were bolted into the ground so the thieves have come in and unbolted them.

“It must have taken at least a couple of them to remove them because the benches were very heavy.

“I wouldn’t want to carry them very far.

“They were worth about £1,000. We’ve launched an appeal to replace them and we would be grateful for donations of cash or items we can sell such as books and DVDs.”

As well as the benches, two large flower barrels were also stolen in the theft.

Anyone with information is asked to call Gwent Police on 101 quoting incident 204 of March 1.