THE weather vane which adorned the top of St Stephen's Church for nearly 100 years has been safely returned after a brief disappearance at the hands of thieves.

The vane was stolen last Wednesday by vandals who climbed scaffolding around the 140ft spire, which is being restored.

But church leaders were overjoyed to see it returned on Friday and the search is now on for the people who found it.

The metalwork was bent but Canon David Salt of St Stephen's Church said it would not be too costly to fix.

"I would like to personally thank the people who found the vane," said Mr Salt.

"We don't know who they are but it would be nice to talk to them and thank them for their diligence and for returning it."

He added: "It was extremely dangerous to play this kind of trick and you can imagine the consequences if it had gone wrong."

The vane has sat on top of the town's tallest building since 1905, when the 150-year-old spire was undergoing one of many restoration projects.

The original weathercock now takes pride of place on the bandstand in Church Green.

But the theft has not been in vain!

The church is taking the opportunity to earn a few extra pounds for the current spire appeal by letting people 'step over' the vane while it is on the ground.

Those who do will receive a certificate in return for a donation.

"It will be something to tell the grandchildren," said Mr Salt.

The appeal only needs another £2,000 to hit its target and complete the repairs.

On Saturday, a car boot sale will also be held in Church Green, starting at 8.30am.