A PAIR of mannequins which have been raising a smile for passers-by near Hoarwithy have been damaged.

The mannequins first appeared on a bench overlooking the River Wye in November last year and depicted an elderly couple admiring the view.

But last week a villager discovered that the head of one had come off and the female mannequin was missing.

It is thought they might have been vandalised although there had been a strong wind a couple of nights earlier.

When the photos were shared on a Facebook page called the Ross-on-Wye Noticeboard, the creators seemingly came forward.

Ryan Stephens said he had created the mannequins and Alex May had put them in place.

Mr Stephens said: "Well I don't want to take all the credit but Alex May thought it would be a nice symbol by the river [to] try and capture a couple sitting and admiring the view. He thought it would be a nice project but I believe that they are an art project or as Alex likes to call it, a sculpture."

Once they heard about the damage Mr Stephens said they are considering making some more with a metal bone structure instead.

He said he would like to make one in memory of his mum.

Alex May added: "Yes we will be back on the case soon. Hopefully look better than ever."