THE mum of a solider who had his army boots stolen from his grave is appealing for their return.

Kurt Smith, aged 25, served with the Royal Artillery and died in May while at his barracks on Thorney Island, near Portsmouth.

He was buried at Hereford Cemetery and his mum, Trena Blake, placed his army boots on his grave.

She put holes in the soles and put plants in the boots.

Mrs Blake, who lives in Kingstone, said: "We felt that his boots should be with him as a serving soldier.

"Someone has taken the plants out of them and put them back on the grave.

"Whoever has taken the boots will soon find out they have holes in. We just want them back - they were the last thing he wore."

She has also placed his army box on the grave with his rank and number, but this has been bolted down.

Mrs Blake added: "I am absolutely gutted. I felt so devastated when I went up there.

"I just think if it is someone who needs a pair of boots I will gladly buy them a pair of boots."

She has reported the incident to the police, but she said she doesn't want to press charges.

Mrs Blake, who has a daughter and six stepchildren, said: "I don't mind if the person who took the boots wants to just return them to the grave during the night."

If you have seen a pair of discarded army boots which you think could belong to Mrs Blake, call 07867 675515.