The vandalised bust of Percy Thrower lies in the flowerbeds of The Dingle,

A “substantial reward” was posted today for information leading to the prosecution of vandals who damaged a bronze bust of Percy Thrower.

Shrewsbury MP Daniel Kawczynski said he was offering the reward from his own pocket.

Vandals caused hundreds of pounds of damage to the bronze bust in a wrecking spree at The Dingle in the town’s Quarry park. A statue of a mermaid was also damaged and dozens of flowers were pulled up.

Mr Kawczynski said today: “It is so upsetting that I will be putting up a substantial reward from my own pocket to anybody who can bring evidence to the police leading to the prosecution of the vandals.

“I could not believe it when I heard what had happened and we cannot allow things like this to take place.”

It is the second time the bust has been damaged since being unveiled at the 2005 flower show.

Shrewsbury Town Council said today it would cost about £400 to repair.

Mr Thrower’s daughter Margaret Thrower yesterday said she was devastated by the attack and could not understand “what pleasure” anyone would get from doing it.

She added that she hoped police would be able to get somewhere with the investigation to ensure that whoever damaged the piece was brought to justice.

The life-sized sculpture was created by Shrewsbury-based sculptress Jane Robbins – a cousin of former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney.

Mr Thrower, who lived at The Magnolias, Bomere Heath, was known to millions of television viewers. He died in 1988.

Anybody with information can call the police on 0300 3333000.