A BOAT used as a prop for photo shoots involving various stars from the world of entertainment was taken by thieves.

Joe Bangay, a photo journalist, who has snapped stars such as George Best, Henry Fonda, and Madonna during his career, said he was angry with those who stole his treasured boat.

He found his rowing vessel had been stolen last weekend.

He has photographed singing star Katherine Jenkins in the rowing skiff called Oscar Dog, among other stars.

Mr Bangay, who has also worked with famous Russian ballet dancer Rudolph Nureyev, who defected to the west during the cold war, said: “I was shocked that the thieves had time to dismantle the heavily bolted in security locks on the boat.

“The oars and the bottom boards were locked in the shed so the thieves must have brought oars with them or paddled with her hands.”

The partially disabled pensioner said it was taken from the river bank, near their home after returning to Marlow from a break.

Mr Bangay, who lives with wife Janet in Riverwoods Drive, Marlow, regularly took their ten grandchildren out on the boat.

“The children loved going on the river and I shot many film stars and singers in the boat using it a prop but already I miss is a relaxation of going on river,” he said.

Mr Bangay, who served 20 years in the RAF, said he was angry with the “blaggards (villains)” who had done it.

The Oxford design boat carried eight passengers.

Mrs Bangay said: "We were very upset it's a family boat we've had for many years and it was lovely.

“It's not a nice thing to happen.”

Police have been contacted.