OLYMPIC Torch organisers in Taunton are appealing for 150 missing banners to be returned after today’s successful relay through the town.

The 2.5m-long banners, like the one pictured on this page, were displayed on the crowd control barriers in North Street and the town centre.

This evening, Taunton Deane Council, which helped host the torch visit, said 150 had gone missing and sent out an urgent appeal for their return.

A spokesman said: “The banners are part of the Olympic Torch tour and need to be passed on to the next community welcoming the torch to its streets.

“We’d appeal to people’s honesty here and ask them to give the banners back.

“We need them back as soon as possible – please return them to Deane House, in Belvedere Road, Taunton.”

The spokesman said banners would be gratefully received on a ‘no questions asked’ amnesty basis.