A TALENTED pensioner has been left devastated after three of her specialist works of art were stolen.

Nancy Young, of Wythall, had spent 98 hours creating one of the three-dimensional decoupage pieces which were for sale and on display in Becketts Restaurant.

Ms Young, who lives on Hill Crest Park, in Weatheroak, was trying to raise enough money to have her roof replaced.

But the theft, which happened sometime between February and early April, has meant she cannot afford to do it.

Ms Young, 70, said: "The one picture was of a toy shop window and was about 20ins by 24ins with a gold frame and about 3ins deep."

She added: "The piece took me about 98 hours to finish and was on sale for £375."

Ms Young want people to know about the theft in case they come across the unique illustrations.

She said: "Because the artwork was displayed in a restaurant I could not get any insurance cover as there was no security."

Insp Gareth Prosser, of Redditch police, said: "We would appeal for any witnesses to come forward who might have been in the area where this artwork was displayed around the time it was stolen or anyone who saw anything suspicious.

"We would also like to hear from anyone who might have been offered such artwork."

Anyone with information can contact Redditch police on 584888 or call Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111.