A bench that was dedicated to the late Graham Taylor by Sir Elton John has been defaced.

A golden plaque which says 'In loving memory of friend Graham Taylor' was discovered scratched with the bench scribbled on as well.

The bench was placed in Cassiobury Park by Watford Football Club's honorary life-president Sir Elton in 2017 shortly after Hornets legend Mr Taylor passed away.

Watford Borough Council said Sir Elton paid for the bench and the planting of four new trees. However this week, passers-by noticed the bench had been vandalised.

Watford Observer: The plaque has been defaced and the bench has been scribbled on The plaque has been defaced and the bench has been scribbled on

Watford mayor Peter Taylor said: "I was made aware this week of an act of vandalism in Cassiobury Park, where a much-loved bench dedicated to former Watford and England manager Graham Taylor was defaced.

"Vandalism is a prosecutable criminal offence, and acts of vandalism to public property are unacceptable.

"Our team at Watford Borough Council will make repairs a matter of priority, and will ensure the plaque is restored as soon as possible."

Watford Observer: The bench when it was unveiled in 2017 The bench when it was unveiled in 2017

Mr Taylor is Watford's greatest ever manager having led Watford from the fourth division to the first division in just five years after moving to the Hornets in 1977.

He also served as Watford's chairman from 2009 until 2012 where he continued to hold the position of honorary life-president.

This summer, a mural of the Watford great was unveiled on a wall in Vicarage Road next door to the Hornets' stadium.

Watford Observer: A mural of Graham Taylor in Vicarage Road. Credit: PAA mural of Graham Taylor in Vicarage Road. Credit: PA

Mr Taylor, who died in January 2017 aged 72, has a stand named after him at Vicarage Road and there is also a statue of him outside the club shop.