ARTHUR the gnome has been kidnapped from his Atherton home.

Now his owner, Mrs. Edna Smith of Prestwich Street, is appealing for his return.

Police have been informed of the disappearance of 'Arthur', a two foot high gnome and weighing in at a hefty 20lbs, who went missing from the Smith's back garden.

The family, who have grown fond of 'Arthur', (named after a famous 'Coronation Street' gnome belonging to Mavis and Derek Wilton who also disappeared) are convinced he was taken by someone who knew him.

Despite his size, Arthur was quite well camouflaged in the branches of a bush where he lived perpetually fishing in the garden pond, complete with plastic fish on the end of his fishing rod.

Edna said: "I am very upset about his disappearance. Many people might think that I'm being silly to bother about a gnome, but he was like one of the family.

"The police are on the lookout for him at various venues, but I would ask Journal readers to keep their eyes open for him, maybe being offered for sale at car boot sales."

'Arthur' is described as 2' tall, wearing a faded red hat, a yellow coat and blue pants, carrying a fishing rod and fish.

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of the missing gnome is asked to ring Mrs Smith on 01942 874017, or local police.

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