A MYSTERY benefactor is funding the replacement of stolen memorials from Canvey.

Mindless thieves have ripped off plaques for the second year in a row.

Colin Letchford, chairman of Friends of Concord Beach, has replaced about 13 of the stolen plaques, which he believes is the work of one thief.

He said: “I am quite convinced that it is one person who is doing this.

“I have replaced half of them now and the rest should be coming by the end of this week.

“The families are so grateful for me replacing the plaques.

“They are very distressed about this and so am I.”

He added: “Some of the people I’ve spoken to burst into tears. It is not a long job but one that means so much to so many people.”

The former councillor said he is more than happy to help and hopes to have the jobs completed over the weekend.

He added: “People are very pleased that I can do this for them.

“Everyone I speak with asks me how much it will cost but we’ve had a man offer to replace them.

“He doesn’t want any publicity on this.”

Margaret Potter, from Canvey paid for a plaque for her late father, Greg.

She said she’s over the moon about having the item replaced.

The 66-year-old said: “I couldn’t believe it when we heard the plaque was being replaced.

“Our whole family is delighted, I can’t believe someone stole it in the first place.

“Dad loved the seafront, so it seemed fitting he would have a memorial plaque there.

“It is a lovely thing Colin is doing to help us and other families.”

This is the second time thieves have stolen the plaques from the island memorial benches.

Last month, the Echo reported furious families reported 17 plaques have been stolen from beaches near Thorney Bay, Canvey.

Residents took to Facebook to vent their anger and frustration.

Last summer more than 20 plaques were stolen from beaches.

The plaques were reported missing from benches at The Point and Thorney Bay Beach, Canvey.

Calor Gas, on Canvey, offered to replace the plaques last year.