A STOLEN memorial bench installed in a churchyard in tribute to a a Wye Valley mum has been found dumped in a lane 20 miles away, three years to the day after she passed away.

Monmouth mum Amanda ‘Mandi’ Morgan’s family were left heartbroken when thieves ripped the £800 Bench out of a concrete plinth at Dixton churchyard, just seven weeks after installing it.

The community rallied around and a JustGiving campaign set up by Carole James had raised £1,330 towards a replacement by the end of the weekend.

But on Monday (August 6) came news that a cyclist on his way to work had spotted the bench, minus its name plaque, near Magor.

Christine Morgan said her husband Simon took it home to compare photos with the stolen one.

“You can clearly see it’s the same,” she said. “We have been in contact with the family and will keep hold of it until they can collect.

“I can’t believe the thieving scumbags removed the plaque and then just dumped it, but at least Mandi’s family can now have the original bench back.”

Mandi’s family are now hoping to use the donated cash to buy CCTV to help protect the historic Wyeside church and churchyard.

Daughter Tara Davies called the discovery of the bench “great news” and posted on Monday: “Today is three years since my mum passed, so it really has put a positive on the day. A huge thank you to Christine and Simon for spotting it, you are saints!

“Anyone that would like their donation money back is more than welcome to have it back, we are very thankful that you all so kindly donated in the first place, but otherwise we will use the money to get CCTV for the church and donate the rest to the church itself.”

In a message to the culprits, Mandi’s mum, Connie Weston wrote on Facebook:“I thank you for putting it where someone could find it, all I ask is please don’t put anybody else through this.”

Last week, Tara had posted that they had raised 90 per cent of the target towards a new bench in one morning.