Labrador sniffs out stolen church silverware
The bag of stolen silverware was found by a dog sniffing around in the church undergrowth
At a glance
Burglars broke into a Keswick church in February and stole chalices and plates
A dog sniffing around in undergrowth in the churchyard discovered them
The vicar said he was "gobsmacked and delighted"
- Published
A haul of silverware stolen from a Lake District church two months ago was found by a dog sniffing around in the churchyard undergrowth.
Burglars broke into St John's Church in Keswick and took precious chalices and plates during a raid in February.
The vicar, the Rev Charles Hope, said he did not believe he would see any of the items again and was "gobsmacked and delighted" some had been found.
He said it was like a "miracle" to get the items back in time for Easter Sunday.
'Inquisitive dog'
Rev Hope said he would be buying the elderly Labrador, Mick, some treats to reward his "excellent nose".
The church posted on Facebook: "An Easter miracle? A neighbour's dog rooting in the churchyard undergrowth found some of our stolen silverware.
"Not of course the more valuable pieces but wonderful to have our silver back in time for Eucharist.
"Thanks to our vigilant neighbour and inquisitive dog."
Rev Hope said he was not sure if the silverware had been thrown into the underground straight after the raid or had been returned.
The haul of silverware was found on Saturday and was used during Easter Sunday's service
He said: “I had a delightful phone call at about 19.30 on Saturday to say ‘Charles I think we have something of yours’.
“Then a gentleman walked in, a local man who had been walking his dog in the churchyard and the old dog had found a plastic bag.
"Inside it was silverware, approximately a quarter of what had been stolen. It was a wonderful surprise on Easter Eve."
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