Vandals behead garden's life-sized giraffe

A life-sized topiary giraffe that had become a local landmark in a village in Kent has been decapitated by vandals.

The foliage sculpture which stood 10ft (3m) looking over a garden wall in Boughton Lees near Ashford was attacked overnight leaving a 3ft (0.9m) stump.



Frank Edwards, who had spent a decade growing and crafting the giraffe called Geraldine, said she was "loved by many children" and popular with walkers.

Mr Edwards said: "I'm upset but I'm remarkably calm about it. I think it was just a matter of time before someone took it. It was a lovely thing to do - I did it as a bit of a joke and sadly it is no more.



"It's not exactly the end of the world but she was apparently loved by many children, and she certainly amused hundreds of walkers."

Mr Edwards, who also has a topiary goose in his garden, said he hoped to grow another giraffe from the stump.