THE sparkle has been taken off a couple’s Christmas celebrations after an ornamental snowman was stolen from their Gorleston home.

Every year Keith and Glenys Bright decorate the statue with festive lights providing an attractive display for passers-by on Lowestoft Road.

The two foot high statue of the snowman and little boy James is based on character from the Snowman film and book by Raymond Briggs – and is a permanent feature in their front garden.

Former insurance manager Keith, 51, suffers from a multiple sclerosis and is confined to a wheelchair. He had bought the ornament as a present from Great Yarmouth market for his wife several years ago.

He said: “Last week when it snowed I looked out of the window and he was gone. My wife went outside and searched everywhere, but there was just a dent in the ground where he used to be, with melted snow in it.

“As I have MS and can’t get about much, I love to sit and look out at the world and people passing by.

He added: “At Christmas we always light up the garden and children stop on their way home from school to admire the display.

“The ornament is there all year round, he looks great in the sunshine, but especially good when it snows.

“It saddens me to think that someone should have stolen him, so for the moment I prefer to think that he’s walking in the air with all the other snowmen at the North Pole.”

Diagnosed with MS in 1989, Keith heroically walked daughter Lorinda down the aisle on her wedding day four years ago.

Glenys, 54, said: “I cannot understand why people want to steal. I believe that the thieves lose a little bit of themselves.

“We decided not to report the theft to the police as we had a Christmas tree stolen a few years ago and they were not too bothered about investigating it.

“We would be happy to have the statue back no questions asked.”

l If anyone has seen the unique statue, or knows where it is, or wants to return it, contact Miles Jermy at the Mercury on 01493 847961 or email miles.jermy@archant.co.uk – and we’ll pass on the good news to give Keith and Glenys Bright an early Christmas present.