Bury St Edmunds theatre star trail: Anger as Sir Ian McKellen's, Lesley Garrett's and Chris Clarkson's stars stolen

One of the organisers of the theatre star trail in Bury St Edmunds has hit out at thieves who have stolen a handful of the stars.

Four of the 25 stars on the trail, organised by Our Bury St Edmunds and the Theatre Royal to celebrate the theatre's 200th anniversary, have been ripped from pavements since the competition launched in May.

A star featuring Sir Ian McKellen's name has been stolen twice while Lesley Garrett's and Chris Clarkson's have also been taken from the trail.

Mark Cordell, chief executive of Our Bury St Edmunds, said they discovered in the last few days that Sir Ian's and Mr Clarkson's stars had gone missing and they are in the process of being replaced.

"As the organiser I'm doing my best to maintain the integrity of the trail but it would be helpful if people would stop nicking them," he said.

"It's frustrating and annoying because it's spoiling people's enjoyment.

"Show respect for the hard work that's gone into it and the fun and joy it creates for people in the town."

He thanked Coastline Graphics, which is being 'very understanding in replacing them for free as part of its sponsorship'.

Each star represents a television or theatre legend who has performed at the Theatre Royal.

Those taking part in the competition have to find all of the stars to be in with the chance of winning one of the prizes.

First prize will be two tickets to the Theatre Royal's upcoming pantomime Peter Pan, while second will be two tickets to any season show at the theatre with a pre-theatre dinner at Côte Brasserie.

The other eight prizes will be gift vouchers to spend in Bury town centre businesses and these are being provided by Our Bury St Edmunds.

There will be one £100 voucher up for grabs, one £50 voucher, and six £25 vouchers.

• Read more: See the Bury St Edmunds theatre stars trail by rickshaw this summer
• Read more: Theatre Star Trail competition prizes revealed by Theatre Royal and Our Bury St Edmunds

The trail leaflets and entry forms can be collected from the theatre or from various locations around the town, including the tourist information points.

Entries must be returned to the Our Bury St Edmunds offices by Thursday, October 31.

For full details on the rules and how to enter visit the Our Bury St Edmunds website where visitors also have the chance to print their own entry forms.