Police recover rare bible

A television viewer responded to appeals by police

A rare bible which was stolen from a Scottish church has been found after a viewer responded to appeals in the media.

A woman contacted police with information about the Baskerville Bible, which was taken from Burntisland Parish Church some time between Saturday night and Monday afternoon.

Fife Police said the antiquarian volume, believed to be one of only six in existence, was retreived undamaged and a person has been helping police in connection with the incident.

The folio-sized bible measures 45cm by 55cm and was the work of 18th century type designer and printer John Baskerville.

Norman Mackie: Delighted by discovery

Police had alerted antique dealers and other art specialists that the work may be offered for sale after elders at the church discovered that it was missing.

It was thought it could fetch about £5,000 on the international market.

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Hutton, of Fife Constabulary, said: "Thanks to media coverage of this theft a member of the public contacted us with vital information which helped us trace this valuable antique."

Mr Hutton said the inquiry into the theft from the East Leven Street church was continuing.

The bible, which was bound in tan leather, was recovered from a local address shortly after 1830 BST on Wednesday.

Church curator Norman Mackie said: "We appreciate that the bible will be retained for the time being by the police but we are delighted to know that it is safe and sound.

"Obviously we will be reviewing security at the church but our thanks too go to everyone who contributed to the bible's safe recovery."