A UNIQUE 600-year-old brass plaque has been stolen from a county church.

The artefact, which dates from 1421 and is a Latin dedication to former priest William Leviot, was taken from St James Church in Kinnersley.

Police believe it was removed from the church wall sometime between 12pm on March 23 and 9.30am on Sunday.

The item is considered to be priceless and of great importance to the church – which is open for up to 12 hours a day as part of the Historic Churches Trust scheme – as well as its authorities and congregation.

Police want to speak to anyone who has seen the item, has been offered it for sale or saw anything suspicious at the church last week.

Anyone with information can call police on 101.