MONEY saved by a Bromyard pensioner to buy a new gravestone to commemorate his family has been stolen.

Phillip Oseman, a former labourer, had £800 taken from the living room of his Old Road home earlier this month.

He saved the cash from his pension and from a betting win.

"It's horrible to think that someone's been in here while I'm out and I haven't known," he said.

"I've told everyone to lock their doors and watch out."

Since the theft Mr Oseman's landlord has had a new lock fitted to the kitchen door, where the house was entered. Mr Oseman has had a visit from Victim Support and now keeps all his money in a building society.

His brother died, aged nine, and his grave is in Bromyard cemetery.

"The other one had got all dirty and I thought I would have a new one made," said Mr Oseman, adding he had planned to add his parents' names to the new stone.

"It's something I'd decided I'd like to do before anything happens to me."

The theft means he will have the old grave cleaned and his parents names added, instead of buying a new one.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the theft, which happened between 10.30am and 1.30pm on Tuesday, March 9.

Anyone with information should contact PC Mark Herbert at Hereford Police Station on 08457444888.