Shocking theft of charity blanket

The heart shaped Union Jack-patterned blanket was made as part a campaign by Mansfield District Council to celebrate the Queen’s 90th Birthday.

It was to be displayed along with and other knitted and crocheted pieces in Market Place as part of the street party for the Queen on Sunday.

The blanket was stolen from Mansfield Market on June 5.

It was due to be on display in the town centre until the end of June when the material would then be washed, re-stitched and made into a blanket along with all the others to be donated to a local homeless charity.

Mother-to-be Rachel Smith, from Gravity Hair and Beauty salon in Huthwaite, spent four weeks crocheting the blanket in support of the campaign.

She said: “It is so disappointing to know that the blanket has been stolen and will no longer be going to help someone in need.

“All the people involved have put in a lot of time and effort to help brighten up the town centre so it’s a big shame that someone could be so thoughtless.”

Coun David Smith, portfolio holder for cultural services, town and district, said: “This is a fantastic campaign that has brought the community together in support of worthy local charities.

“The news about the heart blanket being stolen is a real shame. We hope the culprits change their minds and hand it back in.”

The council is reviewing CCTV footage in the hope of revealing the identity of the thief.