A flag pinched from a church flagpole 15 years ago has been anonymously returned - older, well-travelled but still in good condition.

The flag of St George was found by verger Hazel Burns in the porch of St Peter's Church, Birstall.

A note with it read: "We return the flag which we stole from you 15 years ago, hope to see it back where it belongs, G.F.

"PS: It's travelled the world."

The Reverend Paul Knight said: "It has come back in good condition considering its age.

"My guess is it was taken by a sports fan who has been gradually disturbed by his conscience."

Mr Knight said a man had been seen scaling the church tower during a storm the night the flag was taken in 1984 but a witness had assumed it was the church warden.

At the time, the flag was only two days old and the second to be stolen. The then vicar the Reverend John Davies, decided not to replace it.

Mr Knight said: "Personally I wouldn't trust the masonry up there, the pointing is 130 years old."

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