A WIDOW has spoken of her heartache after a beehive given as a gift by her late husband was stolen from her garden.

Christine Mackinnon woke on Tuesday, October 6 to discover the traditional white beehive, which has been sat in her garden for 21 years, was gone.

The 63-year-old reported the incident to the police, but said she is not holding out much hope that it will be found.

She added: "It was taken after 11.30pm on the Monday, after I walked my dog. I noticed it the next morning. It's so upsetting. It was something my late husband bought me."

Mrs Mackinnon, of Woburn Gardens, South Ham, used to have bees in the hive, but said it was empty when it was stolen.

She believes the hive is worth around £400, but said its sentimental value is more important, as it was a gift from her husband who died last year.

She added: "It meant a lot to me. It's been part of the garden since I have lived here. It sat underneath my bedroom window."

Anyone with information about the beehive should contact Hampshire Constabulary on 101.