A BAG full of silverware that had been stolen from a church in Keswick has been sniffed out by a dog in the churchyard moments before the Easter Eve service was due to begin. 

On Monday, February 20, St John's Church was discovered to have been broken into, with thieves taking money and silverware from a safe. 

The vicar, the Rev Charles Hope, said it was 'just wonderful' to have the items discovered by a local in time for the Easter services. 

"It was a wonderful find and completely unexpected. 

"On Easter Eve, I was getting ready for the service at 8pm.

"At 7.45pm, someone walked in and said they found a bag of silverware that their labrador dog had found in the churchyard. 

"I was completely flabbergasted, we've had people working in the churchyard, planting trees and cleaning it up but no-one had discovered a bag full of silverware. 

"To have a local dog walker spotting the bag and checking what was inside was absolutely wonderful.

"It was a little bit damp but it cleaned up nicely," he said. 

Times and Star: Damage caused by break-in at St John's ChurchDamage caused by break-in at St John's Church (Image: St John's Church)

Following the burglary, the diocese of Carlisle issued a warning to take stock of all inventory and silverware in case a similar incident occurs. 

"Three-quarters of the silverware is still missing, it would be wonderful for that to return as well but we'll have to see what happens.

"Thanks to our vigilant neighbour and inquisitive dog," Rev Hope said. 

Churches often mark silverware and furniture with anti-theft smart water, which works similar to MicroDot technology, meaning it will be difficult for the stolen silver to be sold-on unidentified. 

Churches have been reminded to ensure these are all up to date. 

Anyone with information relating to this incident can report online at cumbria.police.uk/reportit , quoting incident number 54 of February 20. 
You can also phone on 101.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.