The two missing plaques have now been returned

Two plaques that went missing from the headquarters of a mountain rescue team have been recovered.

The circular signs were taken from the wall of the Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association’s base in Grassington in the Yorkshire Dales earlier this week.

The team, which carries out rescues in the caves and on the fells of the eastern Yorkshire Dales, said the plaques had little scrap worth, but were of great value to the association.

A spokesperson said today: “Great news, our wall plaques have been returned, thanks no doubt to the extensive publicity campaign.

“We are very grateful to everyone who has reposted the photographs.”

News of the loss first broke when the volunteer team posted information on its Facebook page.

Their return remains a mystery. The spokesperson said: “All we know is that the plaques were missing at 10.30 last night when the alarm went off and two of our members responded but were back again this morning.

“It’s a complete mystery, but obviously we are relieved to have them back. They are probably worth very little but mean a lot to us.”