AN appeal has been launched for the public's help in re-creating two large ornate lions stolen from a National Trust garden in Co Down.
The three-foot limestone lions were removed from their plinths at the main entrance at Rowallane Garden in Saintfield.
The theft at the National Trust headquarters on the Crossgar Road is believed to have taken place some time between December 23 and 28.
The lions, nicknamed Leo One and Leo Two more than 30 years ago, were among the ornate features at the 50-acre garden, which was laid out in the mid-1860s by the Rev John Moore.
A popular spot for walkers, it is believed that Belfast author CS Lewis was a fan of Rowallane and the installation of the lions at the estate was a nod to Narnia, the fantasy land of his famous books.
However, the sculptures - a popular feature of the garden - have never been found.
Plans are now afoot to re-make the lions with the National Trust appealing for the public's help to create almost identical sculptures. The organisation is asking people to send in photographs they may have taken of the lions before the theft.
In a post on its Facebook page, it said: "We need your help - do have any pictures of the lions at Rowallane Garden.
"Over the Christmas period the two stone lions which sat pride of place at the entrance to Rowallane Garden were stolen.
"To date the lions have not been recovered so we hope to have them re-made.
"We have some photos of the lions in situ, but to ensure the new ones can be carved as accurately as possible we need to build up a wide range of images to work from.
"If you have photos of the original lions it would be fantastic if you would share them with us."
