People living in the Golden Triangle area of Norwich have proven that community spirit is alive and well after an elderly couple had dozens of award-winning flowers stolen.

Kathy and Bernard Sewell's front garden is one of the most colourful on Unthank Road and has just been named the winner of the Best Cottage Garden 2011 category by Norwich In Bloom.

However, two weeks ago they were heartbroken to find their garden had been ransacked overnight.

Mrs Sewell, 82, and her husband, 91, who have lived at the property, close to the Eaton Cottage pub, for 50 years, decided to put up a sign in one of their flower beds to show their disgust,

And since then they have been delighted with the kind and generous reaction from their neighbours.

Mrs Sewell explained: 'I put out the sign basically just saying that if whoever steals our plants reads this then they need to know that they have upset two old age pensioners and that the total value of their damage was �230.'

Ever since then donations of new flowers and money have poured in to help them repair their garden.

They have since replaced the sign with a more positive message, which reads: 'A big thank you to all who offered and gave help when our plants were stolen.

'You gave us a real lift and restored our spirits. We didn't realise that so many people loved our garden.'

The Sewells have been overwhelmed by the response and had their spirits lifted further on Sunday when Lord Mayor of Norwich Jenny Lay came to present them with their Norwich In Bloom prize.

As well as first place in the Best Cottage Garden category, the Sewell's garden also finished third in the Garden of All Year Round Interest category.

It's been a happy turnaround of events for the Unthank Road couple, as Mrs Sewell added: 'It's been lovely of people to be so kind and shows that people like this garden.'

For a full round-up of Norwich In Bloom winners see Wednesday's Evening News.

Do you know of a story of kindness in the Norwich area? Call Evening News reporter David Freezer on 01603 772418 or email david.freezer@archant.co.uk