A craftswoman has made an emotional appeal for the safe return of a stolen shawl so more than 100 hours does not go to waste.

Eastern Daily Press: A model displays the shawl stolen from Norfolk Yarn. Picture: Boo Marshall PhotographyA model displays the shawl stolen from Norfolk Yarn. Picture: Boo Marshall Photography (Image: Boo Marshall Photography)

Sue Maton spent hours on end delicately crafting the woollen garment, which she continually updated in demonstration as she led classes.

It was kept and displayed at Norfolk Yarn on, Pottergate, Norwich, where the classes are held.

However, earlier this week it was stolen from the shop, much to the dismay of Miss Maton and the shop's owner, Rebecca Bone.

Miss Maton, of Norwich, said: 'Everybody in the classes invested so much in the shawl - I would work on it and the others would take inspiration from its design.

Eastern Daily Press: Sue Maton, who made the stolen showl. Picture: Courtesy of Sue MatonSue Maton, who made the stolen showl. Picture: Courtesy of Sue Maton (Image: Courtesy of Sue Maton)

'It became a really lovely community project, so understandably we were all rather devastated when we discovered it was taken.'

The large green and blue shawl, which was around 1.5m in length and 70cm wide had been intricately design and had gained several admirers.

Miss Maton added: 'People would often ask whether it was for sale, but it was a labour of love so it was priceless, so I wouldn't have agreed to sell it.'

Miss Maton added that the shawl may have ended up at a crafts or vintage fair, so encouraged people to keep their eyes out for it.

The shop has been in its current location for around three years, having previously been based on Aylsham Road for just under nine years prior.

Owner Mrs Bone said: 'We have had things shoplifted in the past - a problem most retailers face - but it has always been small, replaceable things. We had never lost anything that was such a one off before.

'When I discovered it was gone on Tuesday, I was gutted. I hunted around for it in case it had been moved, but it soon became clear what had happened.'

It is thought the theft took place on either the afternoon of Saturday. August 19, or at some point on Monday 21 or Tuesday 22.

Now the pair have appealed for the shawl to be returned, or for any information to be given to Norfolk Police.

Mrs Bone added: 'Our main concern is getting it back, even anonymously. We just want it back as soon as possible.'

Anybody with information regarding the shawl should contact Norfolk Police on 101, quoting reference 36-60360-17.