An Isle of Wight hotel, dedicated to war veterans, has said it is "sad and upset" after its sentimental mascot went missing.

The Veterans Bar, on Ryde Esplanade, is appealing for the return of its penguin, which is seen as symbolic to those who served in the Falklands War. 

The Falklands is home to five different species of penguins.

Dale Hillier, founder of the Veterans Bar on Ryde Esplanade, said the mascot was made and given to the bar this year by Islander, Pat Cager.

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It had been sat on the bar of the hotel. That was until Friday (28), when it disappeared.

Dale told the County Press he suspects it was taken and is appealing for its return.

He said: "Can you just return it? Even if you put it in an envelope and post it. It just means so much to us.

"It is upsetting that somebody has taken it. It is sentimental to us Falklands Veterans."

The Veterans Bar, a community interest company, opened at the home of the former Marine Bar in Ryde earlier this year.

The hotel and pub offers accommodation and support for veterans in need and is the first of its kind in the UK.

If you have any information about the penguin's whereabouts, you can call the hotel on (01983) 611313.