AN artist said she was ‘unhappy’ and ‘disappointed’ that two of her coveted pieces have been stolen from Hartlepool Art Gallery after a Coronation Street star switched on the town’s Christmas lights.

As part of its festivities Jack P Shepherd, who plays David Platt in the tv soap was doing a ‘meet and greet’ session with fans inside the gallery on Wednesday evening when the thief struck.

The woman, described as wearing a white hat and coat was seen stealing a jewellery box by another woman and staff noticed a clock was also missing the following day.

Mr Shepherd was joined at the lights switch on at 6pm in Church Square by Hartlepool’s ceremonial mayor, councillor Stephen Akers Belcher.

Iconic children’s nanny, Mary Poppins also dropped in at the event to sings songs from the classic movie and visitors had the opportunity to ride with her on a traditional carousel.

In the gallery people could have a go at Christmas crafts and listen to yuletide stories.

Jean Hogg, Cultural Information Officer at Hartlepool Art Gallery, which is located in a restored Victorian church on Church Street, said: “After the lights switch on at about 6pm Jack P Shepherd came into the gallery. There were lots of people queued up to see him and it was very busy. A member of the public came over to say someone had taken one of the boxes and later we discovered a clock had also gone.

“I’m a little bit disappointed because it was such a lovely event,” she added.

Both pieces, on sale for £100 each, were designed and made by pewter artist, Maria Santos-Alcántara, based in Cumbria.

Using a combination of enamels, veneers, semi-precious stones or glass, the Member of the Association of British Pewter Craftsmen creates mirrors, boxes, photo frames and decorative panels.

“I am very disappointed and unhappy to know how some people behave,” she said. “But I am very happy to exhibit in Hartlepool Art Gallery and I would come back next year as the staff are very helpful and friendly."

Cleveland Police officers are appealing for information about the woman who reported this theft to contact them and also for to anyone else who may have information on the female thief responsible.

Please contact PC Holly Angus on the non-emergency number 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555111.