The plant linked to fairytale's most famous blonde has vanished from everywhere apart from Sussex.

The theft of a spiky flower was the reason Rapunzel was locked away in the tower but now any prospective thief will have to find it first.

The White Rapunzel plant, after which the Brothers Grimm named their long haired heroine, is facing extinction.

At the moment the edible plant, known as rampion, only exists in Sussex and is quickly disappearing.

It has been spotted in around ten sites including Abbots Wood near Hailsham and on roadsides across the county.

It has become so rare that the Government has given it protection by law which means anyone picking it or eating it, as Rapunzel's parents did, could face prosecution.

The charity Plantlife is now recruiting a team of volunteers to act as flora guardians to try to save the species.

Staff are also carrying out a census of the 10 Sussex sites where the plant has been found to ensure they are protected.

The plant, which grows up to 18 inches high, thrives in open spaces and has suffered from farming and overgrowing woodland in recent decades.

For more information about becoming a flora guardian contact Dominic Price on 01722 342749 or email dominic.price@plantlife.org.uk.