A TOP printmaker is offering a reward for information after one of his prize designs was stolen from Hereford's Courtyard Centre for the Arts.

Julian Meredith, who works from the Garnons Estate, was displaying his Wye Yew exhibition at the Edgar Street venue when thieves snatched one his most popular images.

The large watercolour print of a zander fish on a blue background was an integral part of the hanging exhibit, which had received praise from visitors throughout its month-long stay at the city gallery.

Mr Meredith said: "The stolen piece was one of a number from the collection that had been bought up by a private firm.

"I did not have it insured and I understand the Courtyard is not covered by insurance either, so there is no way to recover the financial cost lost.

"It would be very difficult to remake the design as it's hard to find the right fish to recreate the print - that's why I'm offering a reward for its return."

Mr Meredith said the watercolour design measured 3ft 6ins by 1ft 6ins and was taken from the first floor of the Courtyard.

However, the 53-year-old does not know when it disappeared.

He was the first to realise it had gone when he came to collect the Wye Yew exhibits last week.

The paper installations will now be displayed at Birmingham University and in London, but Mr Meredith hopes someone in his home county can tell him where the missing design is so the Wye Yew exhibition can be complete.

Anyone with information about the theft should contact Hereford Police on 08457 444888.