THE theft of fearsome-looking dragons from a park fountain has angered a town council and delayed a restoration project.

Police are on the trail of the heavyweight animals, which have adorned an ornate fountain in Hackworth Park, in Shildon, County Durham, for more than 80 years.

Made from cast iron and bought for the town by Shildon Workingmen's Club in about 1920, the 10ft octagonal MacFarlane fountain is being repaired and cleaned by Shildon Town Council in an £800,000 scheme to revitalise the 100-year-old park.

The water supply to the structure was to have been installed next week, but this has been put on hold after specialists working on the fountain arrived yesterday morning to find that all eight dark red dragons had been removed.

The theft could have taken place at any time over the past few days and police believe the culprits would have taken at least 30 minutes to prise away the figures.

Each is about the size of a domestic cat and, together, they weighed several kilos. Police said a vehicle must have been used to remove them.

Although they are worth little as scrap, they will cost £7,000 to replace.

Tracey Bellas, assistant town clerk, said: "We are all upset. They are part of the town's heritage."

Witnesses or anyone with information is asked to call Newton Aycliffe police station on (01325) 314401 or CrimeStoppers in confidence on 0800 555111.