THIEVES with a blooming cheek are being offered an amnesty.

They are being given the option to return - and even, replant - two landmark flowering shrubs stolen from tubs at a flower power resort.

If the olive branch goes ignored they face prosecution.

A spokeswoman for Saltburn in Bloom this week revealed the organisation had 'suspicions' as to the identity of the crooks.

But the kid gloves are off following the theft of hundreds of a plants from displays two years ago, when entire flower beds were stripped bare.

A handful of volunteers work throughout the year organising fund raising events, including a second hand goods market stall, to raise the money to win decorative glory for the seaside town.

One of the three feet high shrubs was uprooted and stolen last Friday, the second, over the weekend or early on Monday.

"If we do find out who has done this, we will prosecute, unless of course they would like to return them, put them back, or leave them by the side of the tub," said the spokeswoman.

The shrubs planted in tubs donated by makers Tricor on the Longbeck trading estate were stolen from their place in Woodrow Avenue, on the approach into town.

The main display planting is imminent and the spokeswoman said: "The main things are not out and that is just what worries me. We are quite concerned. Everyone is keeping an eye on things," she added.

There are various security systems in place, including CCTV cameras, and Saltburn in Bloom is calling on residents spotting anyone acting suspiciously, to telephone Saltburn Police on (01642) 230316.