MEMBERS of a Ferndown church are appealing for the return of two festive creatures stolen over Christmas.

A donkey and sheep, both carved from plywood, were taken from Ferndown United Church’s nativity scene sometime in December.

Both animals had been stapled to hay bales to prevent them being blown away.

Church Deacon Mike Wakeham said: “The animals have been part of the nativity scene for more than a decade, and we’d very much like them returned.”

Parishioners discovered the donkey was missing on December 28, while the sheep disappeared in the days afterwards.

If you have any information about their whereabouts, contact the church on 01202 871440.