PART of a public art project has been stolen from outside the world's smallest theatre in Malvern's Edith Walk .

The Trellis Project was set up outside the Theatre of Small Convenience with part-funding from Malvern Hills District Council.

It consists of a trellis frame, to which members of the public have contributed various panels.

Now Dennis Neal, who owns the theatre, says one of the panels has gone missing, and he has reported it stolen to the police.

He described the missing piece as a section of board about six inches square, decorated with a face in acrylic paint and ink.

He said: "It's of no real value to the thief, and I just think it's a pity someone has stolen part of this art project to which so many people have contributed.

"I hope whoever took it will have a change of heart and return it."