The mystery of the missing painting. It might sound like a plot straight from an Enid Blyton detective novel but Helston finds itself at the centre of such a state of affairs this week.

The facts of the case are thus: Helston fashion designer Denise Stracey, celebrating 25 years of her business The Design Workshop, organises an exhibition at Helston Museum of some of her best pieces.

On Tuesday last week (March 19) she makes many trips between her workshop in Church Hill and the museum in adjoining Church Street, unloading her exhibits with the help of museum staff.

Alongside her signature hats and clothes are a collection of paintings, which set the scene for how the fashion pieces were created.

Central to this collection is a large image of a cluster of white cosmos flowers, painted by Denise to mark the third wedding anniversary of her son Rory and his wife Ella, for whom she designed and created a wedding dress.

It is now that disaster strikes. Propped against the wall between what Denise calls “the financial building” and the museum the painting is overlooked at the museum closes at 1pm.

The artwork disappears - perhaps removed for safe keeping, by a person who does not know where to return it, or possibly through more unworthy intentions.

So, dear reader turned detective, how will this mystery resolve itself in a thrilling dénouement to our tale?

Denise is hoping for a happy ending, but needs readers' help in making it so. She can be contacted on 01326 572665 while the museum is on 01326 564027.

Over to you...