A church is appealing for the return of a 200-year-old suit which was stolen during its Christmas Eve service. Bolton Parish Church says the outfit was worn by the parish 'beadle' - the equivalent of a modern-day church warden - in the 1800s.
But it was stolen from its display in the porch at around 11.15pm on Christmas Eve, while the church was busy with worshippers celebrating midnight mass. Church warden John Walsh described the suit as like a 'Dickensian coachman's outfit'.
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He said: "I wouldn't like to put a monetary value on it, but it's been part of the church's heritage for 200-years-old, so it has a lot of historical significance for us.
"It's been on display in the church porch for some time. I heard some commotion in the porch during the service and discovered subsequently that it had been stolen. It's a full size outfit that was displayed on a mannequin.
"I don't know whether someone had too much to drink and just walked off with it, but if they have the decency to give me a call I can arrange for it to be returned."
A post on the GMP Bolton North Facebook page said: "GMP are appealing for information following a theft of a historic item from a church in Bolton. On Thursday, December 27, Greater Manchester Police were made aware of a theft from Bolton Parish Church which occurred between the hours of 11.10pm – 11.50pm.
"The item is described as being of historical importance and of significant value."
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 7265 quoting log 2692 of December 27. Alternatively Mr Walsh can be contacted on 07836 363635.
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