When John Reeve’s parents died within three months of each other, he was determined that his father’s treasured collection of garden ornaments should live on forever.

John donated Snow White and the Eleven Dwarfs - the group expanded once the original seven had been bought - to a couple who are well-known for putting on novel displays outside their Chatham home to the delight of passers-by.

But the eye-catching attraction was also spotted by thieves who snatched the lot overnight under the noses of Heather and Bob Hughes, who were just feet away in their living room.

The theft has “devastated” many in their neighbourhood who have pledged to keep an eye out in second-hand shops, boot fairs and other people’s gardens.

A local postie has even offered to put a drone up to see if the colourful figurines can be tracked down from on high.

An appeal has gone out among the Darland Banks community to check any CCTV and doorbell cameras to see if they can detect any suspicious activity.

The leading theory so far is that the hand-painted statues were swiped to coincide with the release of the Disney movie Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, starring Rachel Zegler, which was released in March.

Heather and Bob have reported the “disappearance” to the police, but say they have yet to receive a crime reference number.

Heather, 67, has posted a heartfelt message on social media pleading for their safe return with a message to the perpetrators - “shame on you”.

John’s dad, also called John, embarked on his unusual hobby 40 years ago after his son bought him the mini concrete models with his pocket money.

Dad-of-two John, 54, said: “There was a nursery next to my friend's house and I used to buy one on my way home from school.

“They cost about £2 each. I just thought they were quirky. My dad always liked to paint and was creative.

“Dad even made plaques for them to stand on with their names.”

John Senior would spend hours meticulously painting and retouching them over the years, bringing them in during the winter to protect them from the elements.

John added: “I only gave them to the lovely couple so that the whole community could enjoy my late dad’s gnomes.

“It was a comfort to me to know they would be well looked after.

“Now these lowlifes have stolen my parents’ legacy.”

His father passed away on Christmas Eve last year, aged 88, and his mother Janet, 92, died on March 1.

The haul, which apart from the legendary fairytale characters also included four extra dwarfs, was whisked away between 10pm and midnight on Monday, April 28 from Star Mill Lane.

Heather, 67, said: “I feel terrible for John. He entrusted them with us, and we had cleared a place for them.

“We were delighted when he knocked on our door and offered them to us.

“In all the 20 years we have been putting on displays here, nothing like this happened.

“We just want them returned.

“They were only here for a matter of days but people, young and old alike, stopped and admired them.

“Now they are asking us where they have gone.”

Heather and Bob along with John believe there was more than one accomplice, as each piece was fairly heavy and they would have needed transport to make their getaway.

Among those commenting online after the appeal was Debbie Hanly, who wrote: “This boils my blood, devastating to say the least.”

Another, Keith Thomas, commented: “So sorry to hear this, absolutely disgusting.”

John and his two sisters grew up with the collection, which expanded after his dad retired from his job as a driver.

For many years, the family lived above Darland Wool Store in Watling Street, Gillingham, where Janet worked as a sales assistant after leaving secondary school.

Janet, a keen knitter herself, took over running the successful shop in 1978 until she retired in 1984.

The couple were married for 62 years, having met through their love of scooters at the Medway Rollers club.

John Senior worked as a driver for several businesses, including Lukehurst furniture shop in Rainham and departmental stores in Maidstone.

The ornaments later took centre stage in their back garden when they moved to Twydall.

John, who runs an online business from his home, said, “The gnomes are unmistakable, one of a kind. It’s very sad.

“Somebody must know where they are, but doesn’t know the background.

“We are not giving up hope yet.”

Among those who will be missing the gnomes are their eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.