An art student has appealed for the return of a painting that was stolen.

Joannie Thompson, 31, said the artwork was part of a series for her Masters degree course.

Without it, she will not be able to exhibit in the final show at Brighton University in June.

Joannie said: "I can't believe it. I've been in tears about this but I'm not only upset, I'm angry as well.

"This is part of a series and without it, the rest of the pictures are meaningless.

"The painting is worthless to anyone else because it belongs to a set."

The picture was taken from outside her studio in York Place.

She had set fire to the canvas as part of the artistic process and left it outside for safety.

Joannie has put posters up in the Hobgoblin pub next door asking for the picture's return but no-one has come forward.

The canvas shows half a little boy's face and is made using photographic methods and paint.

Anyone who knows where it is should email Joannie on joanniedarling@yahoo.co.uk