AN ANCIENT statue which has been hanging in a church for 100 years has been stolen.

The golden pelican statue was reported stolen from St Dyfnog's church in Llanrhaeadr, Denbigh, sometime on Wednesday, September 5.

The treasured 2ft-tall carved wooden pelican, feeding her young, was mounted on a wall near the church's medieval window.

Revd Val Rowlands, the vicar of St Dyfnog's church, said: "The church community is saddened to learn that the carved wooden pelican is missing from the wall of St Dyfnog’s.

"The gilded carving dates from 1766 and has been hanging in the church for at least 100 years. It reflects a panel in the church’s famous Jessie Window and was mounted on the wall near the medieval window.

“In Christian art, the image of a Pelican feeding her young from her own blood, symbolises the sacrifice Christ made by dying on the cross.

“We hope the carving will be returned soon so the local community as well as the many visitors and pilgrims to the church can once again appreciate its importance, beauty and significance to St Dyfnog’s."

The church is well-known for its Jessie Window which was completed in 1533. The window is a visual representation in stained glass of the family tree of Jesus Christ, showing some of his ancestors as far back as Jesse.

North Wales Police are aiding the appeal for the return of the golden pelican.

A spokesperson for the force said: "The ancient wood carving was reported as being stolen from St Dyfnog Church on September 5. It is believed the statue, which is about 2ft tall and was situated next to the altar, was taken sometime during the past two weeks."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Managed Response Unit via the web live chat, visit www.north-wales.police.uk

Alternatively call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 quoting reference 18300092317.