A SURPRISED couple were overwhelmed by gifts of gnomes in 2004. 
Freda and Tommy Stirling had their policeman style gnome stolen from their back garden. 

It was then that the couple, from Lang Avenue, Renfrew, were sent a fake police letter by an ‘Inspector I.D. Clare’. 

Freda was tricked into turning up at Renfrew police office for a gnome identity parade. 

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But the couple were then presented with THREE new ornaments and a gift certificate donated by generous Gazette readers at the time. 

The 55-year-old said: “I can’t believe the generosity of these people.

"They have all been so nice.

“We got the gnomes because Tommy can’t work in the garden any more due to ill health.” 

Chi Yin Sing from the Oriental restaurant in Paisley sent in a six-inch replica terracotta warrior as a replacement.

The restaurant worker said: “I was astonished and upset to read the article. I have recently been a victim of a similar crime and felt sympathy.”

Two more gnomes arrived at the Gazette office, including one from a nine year-old girl and a woman who has collected gnomes for more than 60 years.

Staff at the Woolworths’ branch in Braehead also wrote in with a five pound gift voucher  to buy a replacement.

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Freda added: “I got stick in work for going down to the police station with that letter but this has more than made up for it.  

“I will wait to see what happens now, maybe with all this publicity the gnome will be returned. I’m half expecting a postcard for him from somewhere exotic.”