A SPAM butty and a packet of crisps could be the vital clues which identify the unknown source of a plethora of garden gnomes mysteriously sent to the home of a Lancaster woman. During the last few weeks Linda Turner, of Ryelands Road, has become the adoptive mother of GNorman, GEric, GDoug, GCecil, GVictor and GPercy and has now named her house GLinda's Gnome Home! The gnomes arrived in a series of letters and parcels from as far afield as Hong Kong and Australia and the secret sender obviously knew that Linda enjoyed a Spam butty and a packet of crisps every night before bedtime.

Linda told the Citizen: "I've no idea who's been sending me these gnomes and the letters, but they must know me quite well to know what I have for supper."

The first letter Linda received said: "Hello Linda, I have heard you are good to gnomes. Please can I stay with you? Do not put me outside as my asthma is very bad. I do not cost a lot to feed. Yours thankfully, GNorman."

Linda added: "I received the first gnome on April 9 and ever since then there's been a steady trickle of letters and parcels. Even the postman can't keep a straight face when he comes to the door.

"It's a great laugh, but I just don't know who's gone to all the trouble and expense. Now I'm waiting for the seventh little gnome to round it all off."

This isn't the first time the 44-year-old grandmother has turned her home into a gnome refuge. About 13 years ago friends planted about 30 gnomes in her front garden.

Now, Linda's friends and family have chipped in to buy a 2ft gnome which is stuck to the front of the house.

If you can help piece together the gnome mystery ring the Citizen on (01524) 382121.

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