A 'STOLEN' Hereford pub sign has been found after the wife of the SAS soldier featured on the sign appealed for its return.

Beryl Williams said the sign, which featured her husband John Williams, had hung outside the Volunteer in Hereford's Harold Street for some thirty years after it was first painted in 1963.

The pub closed earlier this year and has recently been the victim of a break-in.

The sign was found to be missing from its home of recent years in the pub's skittle alley, leading the family of Mr Williams to fear that it had been stolen. 

But, Mrs Williams said today (June 21), the sign has not been stolen, and that the person who is in possession of it has been in contact.

"It is coming back to me in the next couple of days," Mrs Williams said.

Mrs Williams said it has been a very stressful time, but that she was very glad the painting has been found.

"It is quite sentimental," she said. 

The Volunteer is run by Star Pubs & Bars, the pub business of Heineken UK.

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A spokesperson confirmed that the pub is temporarily closed for necessary compliance works, and minor damage to some glazed external doors, including broken panes, is being repaired. 

"This damage occurred before we drew up the current schedule of works in early June," said the spokesperson.

"We do not know the details of when or how it occurred.  

“The pub will reopen in mid July under temporary management while we identify a suitable person to lease it and review possible options for upgrading the pub. In the meantime the pub is secured and monitored by a security company.”