Hospice's sunflower installation in memory of loved ones on Saltburn Pier ends early due to vandalism and theft

Teesside Hospice's Sunflower Memories art installation involved supporters purchasing a sunflower which would then be placed on Saltburn Pier.

But so many of the sunflowers have been stolen or vandalised that the project has been brought to a premature end before its planned finish date of August 29.

The sunflowers each cost £30 - which funds an hour's nursing care at the hospice..

Teesside Hospice said: "Sunflower Memories is a beautiful way to honour the life of someone special. Their name will be hand-carved into the centre of your very own bespoke sunflower that will bloom brightly wherever you want to display it. Once the appeal is over you will then be invited to collect them, so you can carry that memory with you forever. No matter how you support us, you’re helping the people who need it the most.

"As we celebrate 40 years of changing lives in Teesside, this year is going to be more memorable than ever. We were founded by local people and will always be here for local people.

"Any dedications made will still receive their hand-crafted sunflower. But due to ongoing issues with anti-social behaviour we have had to stop placing sunflowers at Saltburn Pier. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience."

An earlier statement when the problems began on August 3 read: "Friday saw a successful launch of Sunflower Memories with around 400 people entrusting us with their loved ones' dedications and memories.

"However, despite having security patrols each night, people have managed to find a way to deface, damage and steal 15 sunflowers in the past couple of days.

"The sunflower isn’t just a symbol, each individual sunflower holds the memories of loved ones across the Teesside area. For people to come and mourn, remember, and cherish old and new memories with their families.

"The sunflowers may have been torn from the pier, but they will rise and bloom again. We have surveyed Saltburn Pier and know which sunflowers have been damaged, and the people who made these dedications have been contacted. Each sunflower that has been defaced, damaged or stolen, will be replaced as of immediate effect.

"We apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused to a supporter or their family. We have put every precaution in place to prevent this from happening, but sometimes evil behaviour is something we cannot control."