A well known landmark on the Blackdown Hills on the Devon-Somerset border has gone missing. The hedgerow sculpture of the Beast of the Blackdown Hills disappeared in early August, and now appeals are being made for it to be returned. The beast - which measures 1.5 metres high and three metres long - is one of four sculptures placed at entry points to the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. They are made of hazel, dogwood and willow.
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They were sculpted by local environmental artists Stefan Jennings and Sophie Courtiour and made with the help of students from Bicton College and schoolchildren from the area. The beast - which has taken pride of place on the Hills since last year - is based on a creature seen by local people who say it's responsible for attacks on livestock. The idea for the sculptures made out of hedgerow materials came from the Blackdown Hills Rural Partnership. Paul Diviani, acting chair of the Partnership, said: "I would like to appeal to whoever took the Beast to either return it or at least let us know where it is. "As the matter has already been reported to the local police, the Partnership is willing to offer an amnesty if it is returned or information given that leads to its capture. "These sculptures are potent symbols of the Blackdowns and highly regarded," he added. | 
