THIEVES have deprived a hospice of its fundraising mascot.

The large, brown cuddly toy disappeared when workers had their backs turned.

The stuffed dog was stolen at the Dartford Festival last month when it was sitting on top of the Ellenor Hospice at Home car.

The dognapping meant that the charity were unable to present the toy as a prize.

A replacement had to be bought, out of funds that could have gone towards providing care for children and adults living with serious terminal illnesses.

Graham Ferris, 46, one of the hospice's community fundraisers, said: "It is a great shame that someone has done this. The toy dog was a prize and we had to use money, which could have been put to better use, to buy a new one."

If anyone has any knowledge of the whereabouts of the missing mutt, or would like to make a donation, please call the Ellenor fundraising team on 01322 221315.