A unique hand-made village sign has been stolen from the heart of a tiny community in north-east Norfolk.
The distinctive Brunstead sign has stood by the main road from Stalham to Walcott for about 30 years.
Farmer Alan Beck, who made the metal sign with Patrick Ames, of Home Farm, said that it had been taken between early Friday night and early Saturday morning.
'It is such a well-known feature and I can't believe that someone would take it for its scrap value,' said Mr Beck. His family has farmed at Brunstead Hall, next to St Peter's medieval church, since 1919.
'The sign features a man sitting on a horse-drawn drag rake because it was the name of the former Brunstead village pub,' said Mr Beck, of Orchard Farm.
'It has been there for so many years that I can't remember exactly when we made it. It took a lot of time to make and get every detail right.
'But everyone who drives up and down the main road will know it.'
It was missing from its prominent position by the private drive to the church at 6.30am on Saturday, he said.
He added: 'I'm really quite upset that our much-loved village sign has been taken'
As one of the smallest communities in Norfolk, Brunstead has a population of about 65 people.
'We've informed the police and if anyone saw anything and can help to track it down, we'd be really grateful,' Mr Beck said.
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