ORGANISERS of a fundraising exhibition for a county church say they are “shocked” that a display piece was stolen from under their noses on launch night.

A small ceramic sculpture – on sale at £320 – had just been reserved by a local buyer when it was discovered missing from one of the display cabinets at St Michael’s and All Angels Church in Kingsland.

The sculpture – the torso of a winged figure – was taken between 9.30pm and 10pm last Friday as organisers and members of the public began clearing up.

Show curator Charles MacCarthy expressed his "deep" disappointment but hopes the thief may quietly return the piece to the church.

“I do not want this theft to detract from what is an extremely successful show," he said.

"I hope that the spirit of the piece will work its magic and that the sculpture will be returned to us as an early Christmas present.”

The exhibition –The Company of Heaven – explores the place of angels in artistic imagination, with 20 per cent of sales donated to the church for its ongoing fabric appeal.

The appeal needs to raise several hundred thousand pounds to complete repairs on the church roof and windows.

Security is now in place at the exhibition, with the friends of the church and artists taking turns to steward the show at all times until December 18.

The exhibition is open every day between 10am and 4pm.

Anyone with information should contact the Police on 101, quoting ref 317s 301113.