MALVERN Pride is hoping a yarnbombing celebrating the festival is returned after they were 'removed' from the Elgar statue. 

A member of Yarnbomb Great Malvern crafted the wonderful crocheted cape, which was made using the Pride flag colours, and glasses. 

On Wednesday afternoon, the Elgar statue on Belle Vue Island was decorated with the cape and glasses, and less than an hour later Yarnbomb Great Malvern said they had vanished.

An appeal has now been made for them to be returned in time for or during Malvern Pride, which takes place at Priory Park next Saturday, July 27. 

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Sue Spencer, who took around 30 hours making the cape and glasses, said: "Yarnbomb Great Malvern has been supporting events in Malvern for over ten years now and wholeheartedly welcomed Malvern Pride into their calendar of events. 

"We are hoping that someone will strut proudly into Priory Park on 27th July wearing the cape and glasses, but would prefer if they were returned before then to be seen on Elgar as part of the Pride decorations that festoon the town.  

"Come along and experience the joyful, welcoming atmosphere of Malvern Pride. 

"Accepting differences can be challenging, but great things can happen if more people feel safe to be who they are."

Nicholas Houghton from Malvern Pride added: "It’s a great opportunity to decorate the town ahead of Malvern Pride.

"Malvern Pride hope whoever has 'borrowed' the cape returns it quickly.

"The cloak was made by a local group and has been placed on Elgar for the past three Prides, so we would to see it back in place. 

"Malvern Town Council are putting up Pride flags around the town to celebrate Pride from Monday and we also know some local businesses are doing the same."

A spokesperson for Malvern Hills District Council said: "We are disappointed to hear that a crocheted cape has been removed from the Elgar statue on Belle Vue Island in Great Malvern.

"We gave full permission for Elgar to be decorated with the cape to promote the upcoming Pride Festival in Priory Park."

Visit malvernpride.org for more details on Malvern Pride.