THE quiet Yuletide splendour of York Minster has been shattered by a heinous crime.

Frosty the Snowman, a regular and controversial Christmas fixture in the shadow of the cathedral, has been swiped by thieves.

The 5ft tall illuminated plastic figure was described as a "suitably tacky" addition to the "twee and posh" Minster Yard setting by his owner Canon Glyn Webster, Canon Pastor of the Minster.

Frosty was last seen being carried away from Canon Webster's garden by three youths who had cut through his electric cable.

"He lowered the tone of the place nicely and was a point of controversy - some loved him and some hated him," said Canon Webster.

"I had to get a special replacement because we couldn't have Christmas without him."

Asked for his feelings towards the criminals, Canon Webster joked: "I could have prayed for divine retribution, but after all, this is the season of goodwill."