A PENSIONER is appealing for thieves to return a beloved outdoor gnome which was stolen from a garden at a sheltered housing complex.

Stanley Hall, 81, says that 3ft ‘Happy Harry’ is missed by all the residents at Plantation Square in Accrington who say that he ‘brightens up their day’.

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The £25 figure bought in Asda was taken from the path leading to his house overnight on Friday.

A further two smaller gnomes were also taken from the path on Sunday night.

Stanley, who is an avid collector of garden ornaments including dragons, trolls and Buddha figures, is appealing for the safe return of the figure.

Happy Harry is described as being three foot tall with a blue jacket and red hat and is smiling and waving.

Stanley said: “I can’t believe that someone would do this.

“I presume that whoever has done this have planned it in advance as I can’t imagine that they would want to walk through Accrington carrying a giant gnome.

“You would expect that it would raise some funny looks.

“We called the gnome Happy Harry as he always put a smile on the residents faces.

“One of the ladies here even made a sign saying ‘Hello I’m Happy Harry, welcome to my garden.’ “I got the gnome from Asda at the start of the gardening season in March, it was one of only three left when I bought it.

“I have gone back to try and get another but they did not have any available.

“I would really like the gnome returning as residents say that he really brightens up their day.

“I’m not wanting to speak to them, they can just bring it back during the evening when it is dark and that will be the end of it.”

A spokesman for Lancashire Police said: “We are aware of the incident and we are investigating.

“I urge anyone with information about who is responsible to contact police on 101.”