Thieves have bizarrely stolen potted plants from outside a popular South Derbyshire restaurant, its bosses have revealed.

The items were allegedly swiped from the front of the 50s American Diner, in John Street, Church Gresley.

It is thought they were taken overnight between the evening of Thursday, May 31, and the morning of Friday, June 1.

Diner bosses are currently collating closed circuit television (CCTV) images before reporting the alleged offence to Derbyshire Police.

Owner Jeff Laight said in a statement on Facebook he would also be posting the CCTV images online and encouraged followers to "name and shame" those allegedly responsible.

He said: "So the thieves have been here [and] stolen my plants.

"Why oh why? Can't we have anything nice? We try to make our plot smart and nice but (they) think it's funny to ruin it.

"Why do we bother? The CCTV images will be posted and passed on to the police - name and shame!!!"