ORGANISERS of the Taunton Literary Festival are still none the wiser as to who stole a picture of one of their guests from a promotional banner – and have even been accused of taking it themselves!

Last week the County Gazette reported how a mystery vandal had cut out a picture of author Paula Byrne from the banner in Priory Bridge Road.

Lionel Ward, of Brendon Books and the organiser of Taunton Literary Festival, said: “It has caused a lot of amusement and lots of people are suggesting that we did it ourselves as a publicity stunt, which is totally untrue.

“Paula spoke to us recently and she has taken it in good humour, saying ‘who stole me?’ and ‘why didn’t they steal Alexander Waugh’s picture?’ but she doesn’t seem fazed by it and she was quite amused.”

Lionel said he had not contacted police, adding: “I just didn’t think it was serious enough to waste the police’s time.

“We’ve obviously been very busy with the festival and everyone has heard about it anyway so we’ve done their job.”

Paula Byrne will be appearing at Brendon Books as part of the festival today (Thursday), at 8pm.