HARDWORKING volunteers have been left devastated to find that a beautiful mosaic of a badger which was caringly crafted by an 86-year-old lady, has been stolen by thieves. 

The mosaic, which featured as a focal point on a woodland trail in a popular park, was found to be missing by The Friends of Towneley Park, Burnley, on June 6.

Chairman Maureen Frankland said: "It's so sad to see that somebody would think to remove the mosaic. It was made by an 86-year-old member of Friends of Townley Park and it took her six months to make- she was extremely upset when I told her it had been taken.

"The mosaic was situated up high in the woods and safely secured with strong tags, so whoever has taken it down didn't have an easy job of doing so.

"We also noticed that another feature of the trail had been moved when we were carrying out a check."

The woodland nature trail is an extremely popular attraction for families around East Lancashire, and many are outraged at the fact someone has removed the badger mosaic.

Ms Frankland said: "People can't believe someone has taken it down. We posted about it on our Facebook group and its reached over 9000 people.

"It's such a shame that there are just a few people who would do something like this, the very vast majority of people using the trail and park treat it with the upmost respect."

Ms Frankland also said that there have been some other cases of anti-social behaviour in the park recently, including a wooden bench being set on fire. 

Anybody who may have any information on the whereabouts of the mosaic are asked to message the group via their Facebook page, Friends of Towneley Park.