HAMPSHIRE’S steam rail-way had given up hope of seeing a historic clock which was stolen five years ago.

So the Alresford-based Mid-Hants Railway was delighted yesterday when the police returned the timepiece, valued at £1,000.

It was bought by an enthusiast at an antiques fair in Surrey but once he realised it had been stolen, he handed it to police.

As all railway clocks have a unique serial number, it was easy for its rightful owners to be traced.

The John Walker Southern Railway clock was taken from the booking hall at Alresford station in March 2009. It had originally been donated in memory of long-serving volunteer Les Jones.

Managing director |Colin Chambers said:“I’m surprised someone stole it because there is nothing they can do with it. They are so easy to identify. But we are delighted to have it back.”

The clock will be checked over before being remounted.

The railway, nicknamed the Watercress Line, runs from Alresford to Alton and attracts 125,000 visitors a year.