THE public are being asked to help find a 19th Century painting stolen earlier this week.

The artwork was taken from Knaresborough House, in the North Yorkshire town.

The artist is unknown but the oil painting shows the famous view from Knaresborough Castle across the river.

"Its value, therefore, is intrinsic to the people of Knaresborough," said a spokesman for Harrogate Borough Council.

The painting transferred to the council from the former Knaresborough Urban District Council following the re-organisation of local government in 1974.

However, it remained at Knaresborough House, where it is believed to have hung on the staircase for the past 60 years.

Staff are helping police with their investigation and were able to provide them with a photograph that had been taken for a feature in a forthcoming national art publication.

The painting is believed to have been stolen between 3pm and 4pm on Monday. It measures 85cm by 123cm.

Caretakers believe that the thief used a side door which is the disabled access to the building.

Police and the council are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

If anyone is offered the painting, they should look for the council's identification number, which is HARAG 1080.