AN appeal has gone out in the hope that a late night thief might have a pang of conscience and return a community celebration post box topper.

The topper, kitted by a resident of East Tilbury, has taken pride of place outside the village Post Office to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

However, just before 10.30pm on Wednesday it was stolen.

The theft was captured on CCTV and published in the hope the thief may return it.

Villager Toni Chamberlain said: "Would you like to come and hand the post office box topper bck into us? A lovely local lady made this for Jubilee which took time, effort and hard work to make and put a smile on all our faces. It wasn't made for you to take."