A COMMUNITY group which restored an historic bridge today blasted thieves who have undone all their hard work.

Walkers in Darwen's Sunnyhurst Wood this week discovered that six sections of stone work had been stolen from the Huntington Bridge, leaving large gaps along the wall.

Friends of Sunnyhurst Wood chairman Dennis Gillibrand said members were devastated and urged anyone who knew of the whereabouts of the stones to contact police.

He said: "We restored the bridge in March 2002 and it was looking absolutely beautiful. It is often captured by local artists.

"We think someone stole the stone fittings on Monday night because it was discovered on Tuesday morning. The whole outlook of the bridge has changed now because the stone balls from the top have gone."

The missing stonework includes six 12-inch-wide bases with a stone ball on top costing £240 each. They were installed along the top of the Huntington Bridge in the centre of the woods, which was originally built in 1912.

The bridge was restored two years ago after the Friends group received grants from Blackburn Regeneration Partnership, the Leach Charitable Trust and the Lloyds Charitable Trust.

DC Ian Geogarty said: "Inquiries are continuing. They must have had a vehicle of some kind because the stones weighed 30kg each. Anyone with information should contact Darwen police station on 01254 353830."