CREDITON Parish Church is full of many examples of the fine woodwork completed by local Crediton firm Dart and Francis between 1865 and 1986.

Sadly one example was stolen from the church on Thursday, April 4 between 4.56pm and 4.57pm.

A spokesperson for the church explained: “Thanks to good quality CCTV in the church we know two white males probably of year 7 or year 8 age, wearing black sports type gear, one with a very distinctive Puma logo, removed one of the three churchwarden’s staves from the nave.

“The staves about five foot six long and very similar to the remaining two examples in the photos attached.

“The staves are used by the churchwardens as a badge of office at special services such as civic events and when there are special visitors at the church such as the Archbishop of Canterbury in 2009.

“The staves date from December 1934 when they were dedicated and first used at an Ordination service at Crediton Parish Church - the first such service here in Crediton in more than 400 years.

“We are hoping through the power of local social and newspaper media that we may be able to recover the missing stave, which will be difficult and expensive to replace.

“Anyone who has any knowledge of the location of the missing stave, or perhaps finds it abandoned somewhere, should please contact Bill Jerman 01363 772865.

“Return of the stave would be most welcome, no questions asked, anytime in the next week, after which time relevant authorities will be approached to assist in the recovery of the stave and to identify the two perpetrators.”