Hannibal: Sir Anthony was voted top screen villain of all time

The signed script, along with a portrait also signed by the Hollywood movie star, was taken from an office in the building in Port Talbot, south Wales.

Both were donated to the YMCA, where Hopkins is a frequent visitor, around four years ago marking his links with the building where he went for early acting lessons before gaining international stardom.

Sir Anthony won an Oscar for his chine-spilling role as flesh-eating serial killer Dr Hannibal Lecter in the 1991 movie.

His portrayal won him the accolade of top screen villain of all time in a poll of American film industry professionals earlier this year.

Jodie Foster was with Hopkins when he received his Hollywood star

The prized script and picture are normally displayed in a case in the building, said YMCA manageress Jo Maunder.

"But because we are having some extensive refurbishment done they had been locked away in an office for safety."

"They were stolen sometime during a break-in last Tuesday night."

The film script and photo were the only two items stolen in the burglary and Ms Maunder said she hoped they would soon be returned.

South Wales Police say the thieves will find it impossible to sell the memorabilia because auctioneers and valuers will want proof that they are genuine.

Along with Catherine Zeta Jones, Hopkins is arguably the biggest Welsh film star of recent years.

He is now an American citizen and last month he was awarded one of the US film industry's highest honours - his own star on the Hollywood walk of fame.

In his most recent film The Human Stain released last month Hopkins plays opposite Australian Nicole Kidman.