POLICE returned a clock stolen five years ago from a wall at Alresford railway station on Friday.

The John Walker Southern Railway clock was taken from the station booking hall and had not been seen until its discovery at a recent car boot sale.

It was identified by its serial number and taken to the police who, five years earlier, had joined Mid Hants Railway Watercress Line in putting out an appeal for its safe return.

Thieves broke into Alresford station on March 21, 2009, and stole the clock valued at around £1,000. The clock had originally been donated in the memory of long-serving volunteer, Les (Boogie) Jones.

Anna Wilson-Barnes of MHR said: "The railway is delighted at its homecoming and will be returning the clock to its rightful place at the earliest opportunity."