THIEVES stole a hand painted advertising board in broad daylight.

The board, which advertises the Mistley Quay Gallery Teashop, was taken from beside the Swan Fountain in High Street last Friday.

It was put out at 10am but come closing time at 4pm it had vanished.

Owner Liz Cooper said: “Our business depends on the sign near the road as we are tucked behind the fountain in Mistley Quay Workshops."