An appeal has been launched to find a deer sculpture, which has gone missing from a nature reserve.

The carved wooden artwork was one of three to be installed at Boxley Warren Local Nature Reserve in Pilgrims Way following a regeneration project.

They had quickly become a local landmark, popular with walkers and the volunteers, but at Christmas one was stolen.

Now Boxley Parish Council is appealing for help in recovering the sculpture, and asking people to share the story on Facebook.

Chairman of the reserve's management committee, Tony Harwood, said: “There have been so many positive things achieved at this lovely Downland site and it is a real shame that this thoughtless action has caused so much local upset, especially for the many children who regularly visit Boxley Warren.”

Boxley Warren Local Nature Reserve has been transformed from a fly-tipping and car dumping hotspot to internationally significant wildlife haven, with the help of funding from organisations including The Heritage Lottery Fund.

The deer was part of a larger artwork reflecting the neolithic history of the Kent Downs.

Anyone with information should call Kent Police (crime reference number YY/552/15).

The parish council is asking for it be returned to its office at Beechen Hall, Wildfell Close, Walderslade, no questions asked.