Pink elephant abducted

Nellie's abductors have taken her to the Lancashire seaside

Police are investigating the abduction of a pink plywood elephant from her village home.

Nellie usually enjoys a quiet life advertising a local cafe in Gargrave, near Skipton in North Yorkshire.

But since she was abducted by thieves she has been photographed soaking up the sun at the seaside.

A picture of Nellie was taken in Morecambe, Lancashire - nestled with the statue of the resort's most famous son, Eric Morecambe.

She has also been pictured in nearby Lytham St Annes.

Nellie is one of a number of the elephants ususally on display in Gargrave, promoting local businesses.

There has been no ransom demand for her return, but Nellie's owner Linda Hartell-Payne wants her back unharmed.

She said: "She certainly looks very well and very cheerful and is being looked after wherever she is, but we really do want her back - we really miss her."