The president of an Ilkley cricket club is appealing for the return of a weather vane which was the “crowning glory” of the club’s pavilion.

The metal weather vane, in the shape a flying duck, is missing from the roof of the Olicanian Cricket Club in Denton Road.

It has stood on top of the clock tower ever since the club underwent an £80,000 revamp in 2011. It was donated by Dale Eddison in Ilkley, one of the club’s sponsors.

Its disappearance was first noticed last week and club officials believe it has been stolen, either for its scrap value or as an ornament.

Mick Christopher, president of Olicanian Cricket Club said: “It can’t have blown off as it was securely fitted to the clock tower. It was the crowning glory if you like and it was something that we had never seen on a cricket pavilion anywhere else.”

Mr Christopher said any sightings of the weather vane could be reported by calling 07543510289.