An amateur dramatics group was left shocked after their creation was stolen on the weekend that a popular Norfolk teddy bear festival began.More than 100 giant straw teddies went on display to the public on Saturday for the opening of the Great Ellingham Teddy Bear Festival.

An amateur dramatics group was left shocked after their creation was stolen on the weekend that a popular Norfolk teddy bear festival began.

More than 100 giant straw teddies went on display to the public on Saturday for the opening of the Great Ellingham Teddy Bear Festival.

But officials from the Great Ellingham Pretenders drama group spoke of their sadness after their teddy was ripped from its position sometime between Saturday night and Sunday morning.

The Ord family from Attleborough had spent a week creating the 5ft 3inch Alice in Wondbearland teddy, which was placed on the green on the corner of Church Street and the B1077 Watton Road.

But the family received good news yesterday after Alice was discovered dumped in a ditch near Pulham Market by a member of the public. The teddy will be making a return to her position in the village in the next couple of days.

Douglas Ord, of the Great Ellingham Pretenders, said the bear, which was wearing a blonde wig and blue frock, had been advertising the group's January pantomime.

'It is a silly thing to do because it is a charity event and they have stolen one of the items. It is more frustrating than anything. The bears are there for everyone's entertainment and people have spoilt the entertainment,' he said.

Another bear was snatched outside a home in Long Street on Tuesday, at about 12.30pm. It's believed Freddie Bear, who was dressed as Freddie Mercury, was bundled into a car. One of his shoes is all that remains.

The teddy bear festival, which has raised �22,000 for local good causes over the last six years, is set to run until July 18.

Norfolk Police is investigating the theft and anyone with information is asked to contact Thetford police station on 0845 456 4567.