Over the past 12 months more than 200 goldfish have disappeared from the fountain at Brightlingsea.

And fountain keeper Roy Birnie has identified the thief - a heron.

"It is only one as they are very territorial and this one must be the fattest for miles around," he said.

"For many years fish owners in the town have been aware of the problem with a heron and many ponds have been stripped of their stock and the fountain is no exception."

Now he is appealing for anyone with mature goldfish to spare to contact him so the one fish remaining can have some company.

"A shopkeeper in the town has restocked the pond on two occasions and the fountain with the fish is a focal point particularly for youngsters at the infants and primary schools who always look in as they pass."

Now he believes a solution to the heron problem has been discovered.

"We found that when the Brightlingsea in Bloom committee put tall plants around the fountain, the heron would not step over them. We are going to keep the tall plants as a deterrent."

The four-year-old fountain can take up to 40 fish and Mr Birnie can be contacted on 01206 303822.

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