They were well-dressed and looked the picture of respectability. I couldn't believe my eyes as they went around picking up plants along the way.

Graham Rankin

Among their haul was a rare dodecathon worth �40 as well as geraniums and primulas.

On being questioned the pair claimed they had been removing weeds from the borders.

Aberglasney is famous for its walled gardens and gets 60,000 visitors a year - making it one of the top tourist attractions in Wales.

The gardens date back to the 15th Century and were the former official residence of the Bishop of St Davids.

It is famous for its cloister and parapet walk - the only one of its kind in Britain.

Aberglasney attracts 60,000 visitors each year

Graham Rankin, director of operations at the gardens, said: "It really isn't the sort of thing you would expect from two old ladies.

"They were well-dressed and looked the picture of respectability.

"I couldn't believe my eyes as they went around picking up plants along the way.

"When I asked the ladies why they had taken them they said: 'Oh, we thought they were weeds.'

"They were pretty shame-faced afterwards and one burst into tears."

Mr Rankin, who later received a letter of apology from the trip's organisers. added if the women had simply asked the head gardeners for cuttings, the gardens would have helped out.

Dyfed-Powys Police were called and statements were taken from the two women before they were allowed to board their bus home.

A spokesman said the pair were cautioned in line with Home Office guidelines.

"We decided not to prosecute the women after taking their age into consideration," he said.