A bronze statue of a famous ballet dancer donated to a care centre for people with HIV and Aids has been stolen.

The 3ft figure of Russian dancer Vaslav Nijinsky, which is worth more than £1,000, was specially commissioned for the Sussex Beacon in Bevendean Road, Brighton, by a man whose partner had died.

The statue of the dancer, who performed with world-renowned names such as Anna Pavlova and Isadora Duncan in the early 20th Century, had graced the gardens of the centre for many years.

It was stolen, along with the plinth it stood on, some time during Monday night last week.

The theft appears to have been planned as the plinth had settled several inches into the soil.

Kevin Turner, of Sussex Beacon, said: "The statue had been lifted out and carried, which means there must have been several people involved because it's quite heavy.

"We are hoping that anyone with a conscience will not buy it and we've informed antique dealers and other places which might be approached."

Anyone who knows something of its whereabouts is asked to contact either the Beacon on 01273 694222 or Brighton police on 0845 6070999.