Police have launched an investigation after an original architect's drawing of one of Glasgow's oldest hotels was stolen from within the building.

The line drawing of Glasgow Central Hotel in Gordon Street, which dates back to 1836 and was on display within a 4ft x 4ft wooden frame, is valued at about £25,000.

It was stolen between 3pm last Friday and 9am the following day from the Victorian hotel, which first opened in 1883.

The drawing had hung on the wall of a first floor corridor of the hotel for more than 50 years and would need to have been unscrewed from the wall to remove it.

The hotel was designed by Edinburgh architect Sir Robert Rowand Anderson, and is now run by Quality Inns, .

James Shea, manager of the Quality Central Hotel, said yesterday: "I am very upset about the theft of this original drawing. It was my pride and joy. We are hoping it will be found soon and returned without damage."

Detective Constable Gavin Lambie, of Strathclyde Police, appealed for information following the theft.

He said: "This original architect's drawing of the Quality Central Hotel in Glasgow is not only of monetary value but also of great historic value.

"We are currently reviewing CCTV footage in the surrounding area of the hotel which we hope will assist us to trace the person responsible for the theft and rightfully return the drawing to the hotel. The streets surrounding the Quality Central Hotel - Hope Street and Gordon Street - were busy both during day and night.

"I would urge anyone who might have seen the individual or individuals carrying a large 4ft by 4ft wooden frame, either within the hotel or outwith, to contact police."