For six years they were as settled in the quiet neighbourhood as any other villager.

But on Monday the family of six -- Charlie, Effie Falloulah, Molly, Chloe, Dave and Kwakk -- had mysteriously disappeared without a trace from their home in Hornsea Drive, Wilsden.

Mandy Halford, owner of the six ornamental garden mushrooms, was at a loss to where her prized possessions had gone until she received a ransom note the following day. It told her she must pay £100 for the mushrooms or they would be cut up and barbecued.

It was signed with love from her friends.

At first she thought it was her work colleagues, at Kwakk.com, in East Parade, Keighley, playing a prank.

When that turned out to be false she posted a reply in her garden asking for proof that the mushrooms were still alive.

The fungus thieves provided a picture with the mushrooms behind bars and extended their deadline by 48 hours. Last night Mandy, her three sons, Anthony, 14, Caleb, nine, and Noah, eight, and boxer dog Pearl were praying they were still alive.

Mandy said: "We are all devastated. It just doesn't feel the same. The kids are upset and cannot sleep. And Pearl is upset too."

Through the Keighley News, she is begging for their safe return.

She added: "I dare not inform the police for fear of reprisals. It could be Pearl or the boys next."