CHURCHWARDENS at a village church continue the search for an ancient chalice which was stolen more than ten years ago.

Last week in the Hereford Times we reported how Chris Cooper, 48, was jailed for stealing historic artefacts from Herefordshire churches.

He sold the religious artefacts on eBay and made £150,000.

Churchwardens at St Faith's in Dorstone were disappointed to learn that the items which were recovered did not include the medieval Dorstone Chalice, which was stolen in 2005.

The rare sepulchral pewter chalice and paten (small plate used to hold Eucharistic bread) dating from the 13th century were found in a tomb, reputed to have links to the de Brito family, when the church was rebuilt in 1889.

The chalice was behind glass in the church's chancel when it was stolen.

Churchwarden Penny Platts said: "Even after lengthy enquiries and publicity from the History Society’s website, not a trace has been found of it.

"It is out there somewhere, and we would like to see it back in its rightful home."