'Irreplaceable' book stand stolen from church
An 'irreplaceable' 96-year-old book stand gifted to a church by the widow of a war hero was stolen during a burglary.
Thieves broke in to St Mary's Church in Oldswinford, Stourbridge, taking the metal stand which had been a fixture since 1922.
According to its inscription, it was given to the church by the wife of Gunner Arthur Henry Lambert who died during the First World War in 1918, aged 35.
Food set to be donated to the food bank was also swiped by the burglars, who targeted the church on Rectory Road on February 12.
Police have now launched an appeal for information in a bid to get the book stand back.
Dudley Police said on Twitter: "We've launched an appeal after an irreplaceable 96-year-old book stand was stolen from St. Marys Church, Oldswinford. Food donations destined for a food bank were also taken during the burglary on 12 Feb. If you have info please call 101 or @CrimestoppersUK."
