VILLAGERS have been angered and dismayed by the theft of a colourful scarecrow which won a place in their hearts.

A local businessman has offered a £100 reward for the safe return of the scarecrow created to mark the centenary of the County Durham Federation of the Women’s Institute (WI).

The straw woman on a bike, dressed in beekeeper’s clothing and adorned with yellow sunflowers, was stolen from opposite the play park in Quebec, near Lanchester, on Tuesday.

The scarecrow was popular with children who waved at it as they passed and many admirers stopped to take “selfies”.

WI member Ollie Moat, who was asked to do something to mark the organisation’s centenary in County Durham, said: “About six week ago I put my scarecrow up and then last Tuesday it disappeared.

“Our Girl, as everyone called her, was sitting on a bike. I am really sad about it.

“The only assumption I can make is that it was someone took it for scrap. But the most they would have got out of it, if it was the scrapman, is five quid for the bike.

“It was a rusty and had been in the garden for years.”

She added: “And why take the scarecrow?

“I cannot see what gain you would get out of it. Unless there’s someone sitting talking her at the nighttime. Perhaps it’s lonely person who has taken her.

“It is what it meant to everyone in the village. Everyone knew how well it looked. I was quite surprised as how well she was received.

“People have been quite upset. Kids driving passed wave to it. And many have stopped to take selfies with it. It was so colourful with the sunflowers, I think that is what attracted people.”

The creation incorporated bees as a reminder of the WI’s campaign for honey bees, while green hearts highlighted the drive to tackle climate change.

Residents took to social media to vent their feelings about the theft, including Paul Hutchinson, who wrote: “What a shame. I always look out for her when I pass.”

Denise Lloyd added: “Thieving B*#^*rds. Travelling from Langley Park to Esh Winning always makes me smile.”

Marcia Thornton said: “I really hope you find it. My girls wave at her every time we pass in the car. It is a lovely creation to see.”

Joanne Rowland said: “I cannot believe someone has taken her. My kids love seeing her. I hope she is returned.

Mrs Moat said: “Local businessman, Alan Briscoe of Trade Car Quebec, bless him, has offered a £100 reward for the safe return of Our Girl.”

WI County Durham Federation vice-chairman Sue Fox said: “In this our centenary year it is really disappointing that the women’s efforts have been thwarted by somebody who has decided to go and steal their wonderful scarecrow.”