CHILDREN have been left in tears after an elaborate Halloween postbox topper was stolen.

The creative behind the yarnbombing said she is disappointed and begged the thief to return it. 

Mum-of-two Lisa Ball creates toppers for the post box on School Bank Road by Claines Church which can take her 24 hours of work.

However, earlier this week she noticed that her latest creation had disappeared.

Mrs Ball said: "There is always somebody who has to ruin it. 

"It was there for two weeks, even though it's Halloween-themed I wanted it to be up for a couple of weeks before the kids at the primary school broke up for half-term. 

"It is really disappointing. 

"So many people enjoy having it there and it takes hours to make.

"It is a real shame that there are people out there who will just take them. 

"I have been doing them since last summer and you don't expect it at Claines.

"I chose that post box specifically because there is less opportunity for lots of people around. You only really know it's there if you are driving past or walking to the school or church."

READ MORE: Warrens Removals and Storage invited to Windsor Castle

Mrs Ball last saw the post box topper at around 6pm on Tuesday, October18.

However, when she drove past it the following morning it had vanished.

Mrs Ball said it has made her reluctant to continue crocheting postbox toppers but that she does not want to let one person spoil it for the community who enjoy seeingthem.

She added: "I am still going to make them but I will reconsider the effort that goes into each one.

"If anyone realises how stupid what they have done is, we would appreciate it back."

"I attached it with cable ties. They were wrapped around the post box and through the topper as well.

READ MORE: The Plough gives "knackered" staff a break

"Whenever I take them down I have to use scissors so whoever took it will either have had scissors or a knife.

"My son is really upset. He's five and he loves cats. He wanted the cat from the topper after I had taken it down.

"He just couldn't get his head around the fact that someone had taken it or why they would do that."