IT seems that these days people will steal anything, including the ground from underneath your feet -- as one Poulton pensioner was shocked to discover.

The elderly resident of Stafford Avenue had just proudly replaced an area of dead grass at the front of his house with approximately £6 worth of brand new turf.

To his amazement the next morning it had disappeared.

The pensioner did not want to be named but explained: "The council came and sprayed the lawned areas of the avenue with a special weed killer. This spray succeeds in drying up large areas of grass and boosting the growth of weeds.

"In an attempt to remedy this situation I went and bought some new turf out of my pension and laid it myself.It looked great, but only the next day I discovered that someone had stolen it.

"I really couldn't believe that someone would actually pinch a few pieces of turf. I think it is pathetic and would like to tell the thief that he was seen by a neighbour and advise him not to repeat the performance again."