A bouncy castle which was due to keep youngsters entertained at an open day has been stolen.

Thieves forced off a padlock on entry gates to the remote Brede water supply works before stealing the bouncy castle from its grounds.

The castle, owned by Southern Water with a huge inflatable version of Ollie the Otter, was to form one of the attractions at today's open day, just north of Hastings.

Members of the Brede Steam Engine Society, which organised the annual open day, have made a last-ditch plea for it to be returned.

Chairman John Foxley said: "It has been a favourite at the Brede open day for years and is hugely popular with the children so we are extremely disappointed."

Southern Water bosses said the inflatable would be of scant use to anyone else and appealed to the thieves' conscience.

David Williams, Southern Water's community relations manager, said: "Ollie the Otter has been a stalwart at fairs and open days for many years and has brought a great deal of pleasure to thousands of kids.

"It will be of very little use to anyone else because it is dominated by a huge inflatable Ollie the Otter and has a large Southern Water logo on it."

Organisers are preparing final touches to the Brede Open Day, where visitors will be able to delve into the bowels of a secret underground bunker.

Two working triple-expansion steam engines restored by members of the society will also be on show.