THE THEFT of artwork from the ladies' toilets at Tavistock Pannier Market has caused disappointment to users — and the award-winning woman who has made them such a welcoming place to visit.

Thieves stole a figurine of a seagull from a table display in the ladies' loo some time on Tuesday afternoon.

Created by market caretaker Alison Ewings, the display showed a colourful seaside scene — the 'collage' was complete with sea shells, driftwood, beach knick-knacks and included the resin seagull.

Alison has worked hard with her artwork and her cleaning to bring a smile to those visiting the toilets. The facility was the market category winner in 2008's national Loo of the Year awards and Alison has won other awards for her efforts.

She said: 'I'm really disappointed. I do this because I want the loos to look nice and to be a place of welcome for people when they come to visit.'

The future of such displays is now in question and Alison admitted she will think again before adding any more works of art in the loos.

Other items recently taken include a raised toilet seat from the disabled loos, a child's seat and even material from a piece of art work attached to a ceiling.

Mike Souttar, pannier market deputy reeve, said: 'Alison's done such a good job making the place more welcoming and friendly, we have had a lot of praise about her works.

'We do get a certain amount of messiness and carelessness from some people using the facilities, but since she put this artistic area in, we found there has been a great deal more care shown by people who appreciate what she has done.

'We are proud of our loos and it's a shame that some people should resort to doing this.'

One person, who wished to remain unnamed, said: 'If anyone, local or holidaymaker, has Alison's seagull or knows its whereabouts, please could they return it to its rightful home.

'It will be a great shame if one person's thoughtless and selfish actions deprive us of some much needed cheer.'