A 3ft wrought-iron and stained glass butterfly sculpture has been stolen.

The butterfly was taken from a compound owned by developer Bussey and Armstrong, in Darlington.

It is part of a sculpture which was to form the centrepiece of the new West Park housing estate, in West Auckland Road.

Police believe that the thieves clambered over an 8ft wall to get into the compound.

They then unbolted the butterfly from the sculpture, which depicts three dandelion heads.

Tony Cooper, director of Bussey and Armstrong, said that the company was willing to put up a reward for its return.

The sculpture and butterfly was purchased by the developers from blacksmith Brian Russell, of Teesdale, who created it.

It has been on show previously in the grounds of Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, County Durham.

Mr Cooper said: "It wants to be on show where people can see it, as it is public art.

"If someone has taken this just to keep it in a shed, it would be so selfish."

PC Fred Wood, of Darlington police, said: "We believe this may have been taken for a collector.

"If it shows up in someone's garden, it will certainly look very distinctive."

The butterfly was stolen from the company's compound some time between Saturday afternoon and Monday morning.

Anyone with information about the theft is asked to call police on (01325) 467681