THIEVES who stole a large banner an-nouncing Porlock Arts Festival -- just days before the event kicks off -- have been branded 'thoughtless' by organisers.

Now, the festival, a key event in Porlock's calendar, bringing hundreds of tourists into the village, is missing a key element in its promotion.

The banner, which cost £150 and was purchased with a grant from West Somerset District Council, was stolen from outside Porlock Visitor Centre on Monday night.

For the full story, see the West Somerset edition of this week's Somerset County Gazette.