GNOMES which have mysteriously appeared over the last few months at a roadside layby near Wellington have been vandalised.

Maggie Flaherty told the WWN the gnomes had been placed at a layby at Whiteball since March and had become a fun talking point among local people.

But they have been left unhappy after discovering that the gnomes were vandalised at the weekend.

“No-one knows where they came from but one by one they appeared along with flowers and little fences and flags,” said Maggie.

“Over the summer the group of gnomes grew. They were a big talking point and everyone loved them, and no-one knew from where they came.

“For Hallowe’en there were spooky webs and spiders hanging from them. Again no one knew who did it.”

But Maggie added: “On Saturday night after 9pm the group of gnomes was vandalised.”

Mother Gnome was badly damaged but a villager took her away to ‘Gnome Hospital’ to try to repair her, although things did not look good. More bad news was to come when the vandals returned on Sunday and obliterated the area.

“The gnomes were either smashed or stolen;” added Maggie. “As villagers we are sad and very upset for the thoughtful person who has done so much to make us smile each time we go past the gnome family - we are also so very annoyed that this has been taken from us.

“We are determined that we will rebuild the group and will ensure that they have protection.”