A NATIONAL gnome hunt has been launched after staff at Beningbrough Hall, near York, discovered their resident gnome, Benny, had gone missing.

The cheeky garden ornament, believed to be the only knitted gnome in Britain, disappeared from the National Trust site about two weeks ago and staff have been receiving mysterious letters and postcards from around the country ever since.

Property manager Ray Barker, who has taken on the role of Chief of Gnome Police during the missing gnome search, said he was hoping that Benny would return home by August 11, when a Stately Gnome Day is being held at Beningbrough Hall.

During the day children will be encouraged to turn up in fancy dress as gnomes and there will be a range of gnomely events laid on including a gnome trail.

A concerned Mr Barker said: "We have had postcards from other National Trust sites telling us that Benny is having a nice time, so we are wondering where he will visit next.

"This is the first time we have held the Stately Gnome Day and Benny was knitted especially for the day. He had been pinned up in reception encouraging other people to bring their gnomes along on the day.

"But then he just disappeared. Everyone thinks I had something to do with it but I didn't."

Mr Barker has appealed to members of the public to keep an eye out for Benny and let him know if they spot him anywhere.

If anyone has any information they can contact Mr Barker at Beningbrough Hall, York, YO30 1DD or telephone 01904 470666.

Updated: 11:46 Monday, June 24, 2002